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May 2006
| VH News: Wednesday Edition
Posted by Diceman on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 @ 5:18 |
| Cooler Master iGreen Power 500W Power Supply Unit Review and Give Away @ Bigbruin.com
Cooler Master has proven once again they can make a quality product. Each of the rails was stable, and did not fluctuate much at all during testing. In addition to the solid power readings, the high efficiency and active PFC are two very desirable features which help to make this power supply a top rated component.
Enermax Liberty 500W Power Supply Review @ HardwareLogic
Enermax launched themselves firmly back into the enthusiast power supply market with the Liberty series power supplies and did an incredible job of designing a totally new power supply that included everything users wanted and even threw in a little extra innovation as icing on the cake. I am left with nothing but positive feelings about the Liberty 500W and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to build a new system with any of today's computer hardware components.
Sin Episodes Progressive Report – Part 1: Emergence @ ThinkGaming.org
“The Steam distribution system has introduced some fantastic games since its introduction, including the very well-received Darwinia last year. Most recently, Ritual Entertainment has started releasing a series of first-person shooter episodes titled Sin Episodes. There are 9 episodes in total following an in-depth story of a security force commander John Blade. The game uses the Half-Life 2 engine on the back end but has been tweaked by the experts at Ritual to be an even better graphical system and add their own unique interactive environments. The first episode, Emergence, was released on May 9th and has provided some incredibly enticing gameplay so far. Instead of providing an entire Sin Episodes review (that wouldn’t be finished until quite some time anyway), I’ve decided to provide you a progressive report on each episode as it comes out.”
HIS Radeon X1300 Pro Review @ Hardware Secrets
"Radeon X1300 Pro is the top graphics chip inside the latest low-end graphics chip family from ATI. We’ve got a 256 MB sample for this model from HIS and in this review we will be comparing its performance to other low-end graphic chips, especially Radeon X300 and GeForce 6200, and also with some mid-range chips (GeForce 6600 and GeForce 6600 GT) to see how is the performance of this HIS video card."
ATP Petito 512MB USB Flash Drive @ ThinkComputers.org
“Looking for a tiny little USB drive to carry your 'stuff' around with you? Are you one of those people that like stylish looking things as well? Well today for review I have a tiny USB drive that sort of looks like a pendant for a necklace, it could actually be used for one as it is so small. It is cool looking and very functional, it is also water proof, shock proof, dust proof and ESD proof! Curious? Well it is the ATP Petitio USB 2.0 Flash Drive.”
DLP TV Buyer's Guide @ The TechZone
What makes DLP television technology so unique is that it uses a small digital micromirror device, or DMD, to tilt over 1.3 million tiny mirrors, each smaller than the width of a human hair. Each of these tiny mirrors is tilted either toward or away from the source of the light, thus producing the light and dark pixels that make up the display. DLP televisions are rear projection TVs, but they are not as large, as heavy or as bulky as the traditional rear projection televisions of years past.
Inno3D GeForce 7300GT Review @ NGOHQ
"Back on the 15th of May, NVIDIA shipped 7300GT GPUs to the Asian Pacific region only. However, this time they managed to surprise us. The 7300GT is not based on G72 architecture like its brother, the 7300GS. The 7300GT is based on G73, like the 7600 series, but with eight pipelines. A Few weeks later, many manufacturers launched their products and showed some amazing reference benchmarks of the 7300GT. These made us sit up and take notice. Like other G73/G72/G71 members, it is based on the 90 nanometer process. The original 7300GT design also included DDR2 memory, with the core clocked at 350MHz. However, a few manufacturers replaced it with GDDR3 memory, boosting the core clock speed as well."
Scythe Quiet Drive Internal HDD Silencer @ Pro-Clockers
Just when I thought that Scythe was just about producing processor coolers and power supplies, James sends me a HDD silencer aimed at keeping those fast speeding high capacity hard drives at bay. The Quiet Drive is aimed at users that want to have extreme quiet computers, while keeping it cool. Does it work? Lets check it out.
Half-Life 2 Episode 1 Teaser #3 @ Bjorn3D
Connect3D Radeon X1900 GT @ Pureoverclock
MSI 945GT Speedster-A4R Motherboard Review @ Hexus
Buffalo Linkstation Home Server @ Bytesector
"Samsung Breathes Life Into the CRT" at XYZ Computing
Mushkin HP2-4200 (2GB - DDR2) reviewed @ hi-techreviews.com
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| VH News: Tuesday 2nd Edition
Posted by Diceman on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 @ 9:54 |
| Sunbeam Silent Storm @ techPowerUp!
Sunbeam Tech was founded in 2000. They specialize in computer accessories, and some hardware. Sunbeam is known for their case lights and cooling products, including the well known Tuniq Tower. Today we have the Sunbeam Silent Storm on the test bench. It features a clean office look and a big "Core fan" which improves air flow through your case.
Check out our take on the Silent storm review here
Thermaltake Aguila PC Case @ ThinkComputers.org
“Thermaltake is a company that always seems to be coming to with a new product, or constantly improving on their existing products. Today for review I have a new entry into the PC case/chassis category from Thermaltake, it is the Aguila. It has style and is packed full of features like tool less installation for drives and PCI cards, as well as a dual locking system. The Aguila also lets you move your power and reset around to your liking, it has great ventilation and even can be used with the BTX form factor. Did I mention it looks really cool as well?”
My review of the Aguila case will be ready soon as well
AVC Z7U7414001 Athlon64 Socket AM2 Reference Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com
"Want to know what heatsink AMD rely's on for its socket AM2 Athlon64 FX and Athlon64 X2 reference platforms? The AVC Z7U7414001 heatsink. While this cooler certainly lacks a catchy name, for an OEM heatsink it packs a big punch in a little package. The AVC Z7U7414001's thermally responsive fan enables the heatsink to automatically adjust its fan speed as ambient case temperature dictates
PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1KW Power Supply Review @ PCstats.com
"The new PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1 Kilowatt power supply is easily the baddest power supply on the market. This power supply has the ability to deliver 1kW of power continuously, and has a peak rating of 1.1kW! The PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1 Kilowatt power supply has three +12V rails with the ability to deliver 66 Amps of continuous current (70A peak)."
Vizo Luxon HDD Enclosure Review - XSReviews
"Vizo make many products that generally involve hard discs. One of their key ventures is their range of hard drive enclosures, and today I have one to review; the stylish Vizo Luxon HDD Enclosure… Lets see how it performs."
Check out our review of the Luxon here
Thermaltake TR2-430W (W0070RU) Power Supply @ Hardware Secrets
"TR2 is the entry-level power supply series from Thermatake, TR2-430W being the simplest power supply from Thermaltake. With a very aggressive pricing – less than USD 40 – TR2-430W (also known as W0070RU) is the perfect power supply for the users that want to replace their generic power supplies with a “true wattage” power supply without spending a lot of money. This model seems to have an outstanding price/benefit ratio. Let’s take a look on it."
ECS C19-A SLI @ techFEAR
“Targeted for the performance mainstream, the ECS C19-A SLI is a budget board that acts like a premium one. Let's see how it survives our Usability, Reliability and Stability evaluation.”
SilverStone ST60F 600W Modular PSU @ Bjorn3D
SilverStone has a good reputation for making high quality power supplies, and today the company's 600W modular Strider ST60F power supply is on the test bench. This is an SLI-certified PSU, so gamers will definitely want to check this one out.
Buyer's Guide to LCD TV Technology @ The TechZone
The prices of LCD televisions have come down quite a bit as well, even as the technology they use has continued to improve. These days the least expensive, small screen LCD TVs can often be purchased for a couple hundred dollars, while the largest displays sell for several thousand dollars. There are even larger LCD displays on the market, as large as 65” and even more, that may sell for $10,000 or more. If price is no object it is possible to find an LCD TV for virtually any taste.
Vantec NexStar 3 eSATA (w/USB2.0) Hard Drive Enclosure Review
Do you have an old SATA Hard Drive kicking around that you could put to work? Well, come in and check out our review of Vantec's Nexstar 3 eSATA enclosure! It offers eSATA as well as USB 2.0 functionality. It's also kinda pretty. | | | | |
| VH News: Tuesday 1st Edition
Posted by Diceman on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 @ 3:05 |
| Razer Copperhead Mouse Review @ 3DGameman
“It's easy to see why many hardcore and professional gamers choose the Razer Copperhead Mouse. One of the most important aspects about any mouse is the overall comfort and feel of it in your hand. Considering there are all kinds of different hand sizes, designing a mouse is no small feat. This mouse is designed with the average size hand in mind and would be very comfortable for most people. It's also ambidextrous, so lefties have no reason to be left out ;)! It comes with 7 programmable buttons and a scroll wheel, and all are quiet and easy to operate. To top it all off, there are three LED color choices. This product has feel, features, and finesse to boot!”
You can check out our very own Copperhead review here
Patriot PDC2G3500LLK 2 GB Dual Channel Memory Kit Review @ Hardware Secrets
" Patriot was established in 2000 as a PDP Systems spin-off – PDP Systems is one of the oldest memory manufacturers in the world and very active in the OEM business – is getting a lot of attention in the enthusiast market with the excellent cost/benefit ratio of their products. We’ve got their PDC2G3500LLK memory kit, which comes with two 216.5 MHz/DDR433 1 GB modules with 2-3-2-5 timings. The main feature of these modules is their very low latency for such a high capacity product. Let’s see how this kit performs on our tests."
Sling Media Slingbox Personal Video Broadcaster at XYZ Computing
So why would someone buy a Slingbox? Because it allows users to watch their television from anywhere which has two things- a broadband internet connection and some form of Windows. This could be a computer on the other side or the room from your television, a computer at your place of work, or your Windows Mobile cell phone while you are taking the bus to work. To put it simply, the Slingbox is able to get a television signal and transfer it to your home's network. From the network it can be sent to any local computer or sent out to remote computers through the internet.
MSI RD480 Neo2-FI 30-day Test Drive @ techFEAR
“This board is perfectly positioned for the mainstream user that wants a positive out-of-the-box experience. Those users that want to build a new system, but don't want to mess with it after that initial install will certainly find the RD480 Neo2-FI board refreshing.”
Altec Lansing AHS615 Gaming Headset @ ThinkComputers.org
“When gaming everything is important, your mouse, keyboard, and even your headset. Almost every company that makes audio headsets has a gaming line. Altec Lansing is no different they have quite a few gaming headsets. Today we will be taking a look at the AHS615 gaming headset that features SRS 3-D audio, an award winning technology that creates a spatial experience that envelopes the listener. This headset also features a different ear cup design that I have never seen in any other headset, so let's take a look...”
Aerocool PowerWatch and PowerPanel and PowerUSB (5v/12v) @ Pro-Clockers
Our friends at Aerocool were super cool to us today by sending us a nice box of goodies. Four of the items in the box all pretty much had some type to relationship with each other, so we will review these all products together. The two products that will catch the eye of most you would be the PowerWatch and the PowerPanel. The two are full solutions for digital flash readers and temp monitoring. The two other products are the 5v and 12v PowerUSB, which provide power to various electrical devices through the USB ports of the fore mentioned devices.
Hard Drive Buyer's Guide @ The TechZone
Data transfer rate is crucial to how well your computer performs for you. Apart from the connection types above, the performance of your hard drive depends on its spin rate, measured in RPM. Higher RPM generally means faster data transfer rate. The lowest spin speed that is acceptable in computing today is 5400 RPM. The common standard at present is 7200 RPM. But higher speeds are available in SCSI drives, and it is one area of computer system technology that is constantly being developed.
Lian Li PC-V800 Case Review @ OC Cafe
The repositioning of the drive racks and power supply make for a more compact design with minimal sacrifice to work room inside. The included case fans and three to four pin power adapters were nice touches that only help add that much more value to the PC-V800. Function aside for a moment, the PC-V800 is a very stylish case that will attract many buyers on that aspect alone. Add all the features and workmanship and the Lian Li PC-V800 is a winner.
SilverStone Nitrogon NT06 CPU Cooler Review @ MODTHEBOX.COM
"The NT06 can be considered a hybrid heatsink which combines the cooling properties of both aluminum and copper. The top portion consists of a series of bonded aluminum fins that are encased in a black metal fan shroud. The fan shroud has 4 pre-drilled holes in order to accommodate the FM122 cooling fan."
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| VH News: Memorial Weekend Edition
Posted by Diceman on Monday, May 29, 2006 @ 2:17 |
| Before I get to the usual news, let me first pledge my support for our nations armed forces. Memorial Day is a time of not only remembering those who gave their lives in the line of duty, supporting their country, but it's also a time to pledge support and to give prayers for all the men & women that are currently fighting for our country's freedoms.
Thanks to each and every one of you. GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS! COME HOME SAFE!
ECS C19-A Review @ OverclockersOnline
The ECS C19-A motherboard is great motherboard for those looking to build a new system without spending too much money. The performance compared to the 975X is slim, both Intel and nVidia flip flop between first place. What nVidia has accomplished with ECS and all other SLI XE motherboards is an opportunity for people to explore the potentials of a budget oriented high powered SLI machine.
A great board it certainly is. Check out my ECS C19-A SLI review for comparisons sake.
Microprocessor History, Part 3 [The Final Installment] @ BTX Form Factor Info
We are working our way through the history of microprocessors so we can understand what the latest new features are, what gives a performance boost, and what is just marketing hype. The pipeline is a fundamental feature of microprocessors and is the enabler for several other very important speed-up schemes. Let’s see how pipelines work.
Ultra Products MicroFly Case PSU Mod at Modders-Inc.com
Ultra Products introduced the MicroFly (small form factor) case just a short time ago and not too long after that a small design flaw was found. If you are using a 6 inch deep power supply, the X2 and 600W offered by Ultra, two small tabs are in the way. These issues have been correct by Ultra Products, unfortunately a few cases did get shipped out. The fix for this is super easy and takes very little time to complete and I will show you how I corrected this issue
Bluegears b-ice 120mm Fan @ ThinkComputers.org
“A few reviews ago I reviewed the b-Cool fan from Blue Gears; today I have their newest edition the b-Ice. It isn't quite as exciting as the b-Cool with the built-in LCD temperature display, but the b-ice is exciting in its own right. With it's chrome finish and LEDs that reflect off of the chrome while spinning it does make for a nice presentation and is an attention getter. Read on to learn more...”
Buffalo 4GB Flash Drive Review @ OC Cafe
The Buffalo RUF2-S 4GB unit is FAST FAST FAST. Faster by far than anything else we have or have had in the shop. Four gigs of storage will be a big draw to many with the ability to store and carry large blocks of media. Four gigs is even large enough to carry an episode of LOST. The Buffalo's size and feel was compact and balanced. The snug snap fit cap that can be secured on the opposite end during use also is a huge plus. As we said already, this cap is not one that is going to fall off after six months of use.
Zalman VF900cu vga cooler comparison @ Hardwareoverclock Austria
Hardwareoverclock Austria has posted a new review about the Zalman VF-900cu vga cooler. We have tested on a X1800XT in a comparison between VF700, AC Accelero and the boxed cooler. The most importend themes are handling, temperatures, cooling performance and low noise.
Q3 ThermoHAWK 200 Infrared Thermometer Review @ 3DGameman
“The ThermoHAWK 200 Infrared Thermometer is quite the gadget. Actually, it's more than just gadget since it's very useful. Let's face it, temperature is something all of us can relate to. No matter if you are doing research for a paper on water temperature or need to know how hot your computer memory is, this device will tell you within a second…”
HIS X1800 GTO IceQ3 Turbo 256MB VIVO PCI Express Video Card @ Bona Fide Reviews
After looking at Connect3D's X1800GTO, it's HIS' turn with their new X1800GTO Turbo. This card features HIS' brand new IceQ3 cooling solution and comes overclocked right out of the box. Being a part of HIS' Turbo line this card has received a default overclocked speed of 520MHz core with the memory speed remaining the same. Why the amount of 520MHz was chosen is unknown but it seems like a small enough jump to be a pretty safe overclock without straining the card too much. Plus with the heavy duty IceQ3 cooler, overheating the card is hardly a worry.
HEXUS.snapshots :: Foxconn Technology's 'Project Tritium' - the Foxconn C51XEM2AA
There seems to have been a lot of speculation over the name ' Tritium' and its association with NVIDIA's spanking new nForce5 core logic... Here today, HEXUS can reveal that ' Tritium ' was the working project codename for Foxconn Technology's development of NVIDIA's nForce 590 SLi reference mainboard, the Foxconn C51XEM2AA.
How well do the results of Foxconn's 'Project Tritium' fare up against NVIDIA's nForce4, ATI's RADEON XPRESS 3200 and also ATI's Sturgeon reference mainboard for AM2 processors?
Noctua NHU9 and Coolink 92mm fan competition at XSReviews
"Well here we are again, the third competition to grace the forums of XSReviews. This time however the competition is going to be a different. Instead of simply signing up the forums like normal, this time we want you to post in this thread and tell us just why you love XSR so much! The winner will be the one who comes up with the most creative answer. Good luck."
Hmm, I see a lot of familiar forum nicknames over there :)
Spire SP601B3 VertiCool II CPU Cooler Preview @ MVKTech
"Spire is no stranger when it comes to cooling solutions and definitely has the knowledge to create and supply decent cooling products. We're taking a close look at one of their new creations, the VertiCool II CPU heatpipe cooler. The Spire VertiCool II CPU cooler is specifically designed for high performance applications and is designed for both the AMD and Intel processors. It uses vertical dual heatpipes to transport heat away from the CPU. The concept of heatpipes has become quite interesting for any cooling application. Spire has adopted this technology to build a new range of high performance CPU coolers, and the VertiCool II cooler fits perfectly into that picture."
Tomb Raider Legend Review (PC & Xbox 360) @ OCModShop
What’s that? I’m sorry, you’ll have to speak up. You want me back? You’ll do anything, you say? Well, Tomb Raider, I’m a bit skeptical. You burned me bad. Plot holes, camera issues, a sad lack of tombs—I have not forgotten what you did. I am a fair man, though, and I’ll give you one more chance.
Tomb Raider has a new subtitle, a new developer, and a brand new console to play on, along wit the old favorites. Lara’s adventuring reaches new heights in acrobatic gameplay and graphics, but while generally fun, her latest outing is no Legend.
Lamptron Products @ ThinkComputers.org
“Lamptron, ever hear of them? Me neither, but they requested we review their products and they sent me a lot of them. So, sit down and relax as I show you a bunch of cool products from Lamptron. These products include some cool vibration dampening things along with some interested fan grills. If you are interested in possibly making your PC a bit quieter then you may want to keep reading, this stuff would be great for an HTPC or just your regular computer.”
1GB Verbatim Store'n'Go U3 Smart Drive @ HWzone.co.il
"There are many people that spend most of their days working in front of several computers – at home, at work, at school, basically everywhere they go. Without a laptop, these people are forced to migrate between each of the computers they work on during the day, and start wandering about in each system, wasting time. Now, imagine if you will, a world where each and every computer that you work on, has your favorite software, your desktop, your documents and even your web bookmarks will be already installed, just waiting for you to use it. Sounds nice, doesn't it? | | | | |
| VH News: Friday 2nd Edition
Posted by Diceman on Friday, May 26, 2006 @ 10:36 |
| FrozenCPU's Memorial Day Sale-A-Thon Continues...10% Off the Entire Store!
  
Corsair TWINX2048-3500LLPRO 2 GB Dual Channel Memory Kit Review @ Hardware Secrets
"Corsair TWINX2048-3500LLPRO memory kit uses two 1 GB CMX1024-3500LLPRO memory modules (219 MHz/DDR438, 2-3-2-6 timings) and is optimized to be used on ASUS A8N32-SLI motherboards series. CMX1024-3500LLPRO modules were the first to use CAS 2 latency, which is considered very aggressive in high-capacity modules (1 GB) with a 219 MHz clock. Let’s see how this kit goes on our review."
Sapphire Radeon X1600 PRO Evaluation @ [H]Enthusiast
Looking for a mainstream video card at an extremely affordable price? We evaluate the Sapphire Radeon X1600 PRO graphics card against the competition testing real-world gameplay with five popular game titles.
Corsair Twin2X2048-6400C4 Memory Review @ PCstats.com
"Corsair and nVIDIA have been working together to create a new memory standard dubbed EPP which stands for "Enhanced Performance Profiles". When used in a compatible motherboard, EPP helps the system automatically overclock the memory and tighten up timings to improve performance. Corsair has just released a set of its DDR2-800 memory that is perfect for Socket AM2 Athlon64 processors. Fast memory modules with low latencies, its new Twin2X2048-6400C4 memory is exactly what the doctor ordered. When running in dual channel mode, the Corsair Twin2X2048-6400C4 provides 12.8GB/s worth of memory bandwidth which happens to be exactly what the dual core Socket AM2 Athlon64 X2/FX processors need."
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| VH News: Thursday Edition
Posted by Diceman on Thursday, May 25, 2006 @ 2:54 |
| StealthSurfer II PrivacyStick @ ThinkComputers.org
“Identity theft, fraud, viruses, phishing and much more, they are all things that have become an unwanted part of our life on the internet. There are many things that you can do to protect yourself, firewalls, spam filters, anti-virus software and much more. I myself run Anti-Virus, SpyBot, and two firewalls on my computer and one built into my router all the time, and I run programs like AdAware on a regular basis to make sure I am protected from all the bad things out there roaming cyberspace these days. One problem is I have all that security but I can't take it with me, so what do I do when I need to check my email on someone else's computer or a public computer? I really don't want to leave traces on any computer but my own so what do I do? Well a few days ago I received a little gold gift box in the mail, the box contained the Stealth Surfer II USB drive, I believe it will answer my questions regarding privacy concerns and possibly yours as well, interested?”
Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 Review @ Bigbruin.com
Microsoft has come up with a great offering in the Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 Keyboard and Mouse set. With Geeks.com offering this combination at the bargain price of $56.99, anyone looking for a wireless desktop set up should give this one some serious consideration. Performance of both the mouse and keyboard were better than I had hoped for, and both maintained a strong signal no matter where in the room I used them from. The Wireless Laser 6000 mouse has also put to rest all of my apprehension over wireless mice in fast paced FPS video games.
Corsair PC2-6400C3 Meets AMD's AM2 Processors @ Legit Reviews
"It is obvious from our testing that the memory controller on AMD's AM2 processors is critical in system performance when it comes to a number of applications. For this article we were trying to get the highest gaming scores and our efforts proved to be very successful. Starting out with PC2-5400 memory running CL4 timings our base score was 134.0 fps. After moving up to PC2-6400 memory with CL3 timings and increasing our memory capacity from 2GB to 4GB the score increased to 159.1 fps -- a 25.1 fps increase or 18.7%."
Corsair Nautilus 500 @ VelocityReviews.com
"Water cooling has come quite far. But it hasn't been a general consumer sort of thing till now. The Corsair Nautilus 500 is just what you need."
Does the OEM AMD Dual Core Processor Cooler Really Need Upgrading? @ Tweaknews.net
"I think the results of the testing really speak for themselves. AMD has gone the extra mile to provide the consumer with a quality HSF that is compact, quiet and cools damn well. It's refreshing to find a bundled cooler that can stand up to some modest overclocking, and do it pretty quietly."
Buyer's Guide to Plasma TV Technology @ The TechZone
Altec Lansing inMotion 9 (IM9) Portable Audio System for iPod @ Bona Fide Reviews
eBook Readers Ready for Consumers? at XYZ Computing
Antec P160w Case Review @ Extremeoctech.com | | | | |
| FrozenCPU Memorial Week 10% Off Everything Sale!
Posted by Diceman on Monday, May 22, 2006 @ 12:02 |
| Our friends over at FrozenCPU are having a huge week long 10% off Everything Sale starting 5/22 and lasting all week thru 5/30!
Get your ass over there and pick out your goods. Just remember to use this link and wait until after midnight EST to checkout! Enjoy and make sure you tell the guys over at Frozencpu where you heard about it! | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Sunday, May 21, 2006 @ 3:06 |
| XTracPads Hybrid @ techFEAR
The XTracPads Hybrid uniquely combines cloth and plastic into a flexible mouse pad that is durable and easy to transport. Sized perfectly for wide screen users, this mouse pad may be the best of both worlds.
Razer's Copperhead & Krait Gaming Mice Review @ Short-Media
If you have the money, a Krait paired with a Copperhead would make a great team - use the Krait for everything except for FPS gaming, and then bust out the ol' Copperhead when you want to impress your friends at a LAN party or really take your 1337 sniper skillz to the next level.
ASUS PhysX P1 GRAW Edition 128MB (PCI) @ Hardwarezone.com
Ageia shows off the world's first processor dedicated to physics calculations with the launch of its PhysX card. ASUS, as one of its board partners, naturally has a retail version available. Read our impressions about this new technology and our thoughts on whether it will herald a new era in gaming physics.
S3 Graphics Chrome S27 including MultiChrome @ Hexus.net
Concluding on the current state of S3 Graphics Chrome S27 is pretty easy. There are better products out there for the same or less money from ATI and NVIDIA. And while it's not nice to say so, since another executing competitor in the mid-range and low-end consumer space would be brilliant, it's the current reality.
nPowertek TTIC NPH K8-1 Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com
The Thermal Transtech International Corp. NPH K8-1 Socket 939 heatsink looks deceptively simple at first glance; but at the heart of this socket 754/939/940 Athlon64 heatsink is a huge copper cylinder. The large copper column supporting its many copper fins is not technically a heatpipe as we know it, it's what TTIC call a "heat column." This column, 25mm in diameter and made from a hollow copper cylinder which is vacuum sealed, has a chemical coating on the inside that works to the same effect as a wick in a traditional heatpipe...
Asus EAX1600XT Silent/TVD/256M/A Videocard
My personal favorite are 100% silent videocards. Devices like the Asus EAX1600XT Silent/TVD/256M/A videocard won't eat up the 8GB/s worth of bandwidth the PCI Express x16 bus has to offer, but this passively cooled graphics card strikes a good balance between price and 3D rendering power. The Asus EAX1600XT Silent/TVD/256M/A is supported with 256MB of GDDR3 Infineon memory, and the software package that comes with the Asus EAX1600XT Silent/TVD/256M/A is strong.
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser @
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser truly is a revolutionary
Bluetooth desktop combination. It is the perfect compliment to your modern PC. Unlike most keyboards, which can only send information to your PC, the MX 5000 Cordless Keyboard also has the ability to receive and display information sent from your PC. The stylish keyboard offers an LCD panel, capable of displaying the time and date, room temperature, song titles for music files, and various
other displays.
Sennheiser BW900 Bluetooth Headset @ DailyCE.com
The company was working on the BW900 for the past three years and hopes to beat its competition with a number of features and improved quality for business users - the target market for this headset.
FRONTX CPX Modular Bay System @ PCapex.com
Simple really. All you need is a free 5.25” bay and a free PCI slot (if you use their external cables). Something like this would suit LAN goers or anyone that requires connectivity without wanting to fiddle around at the rear of their case. Examples of this would be the user who wants to use a joystick or controller pad on their media PC in the lounge from time to time, or the gamer with a case that doesn’t have front 5.1 audio ports for their fancy headphones. | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 1st Edition
Posted by Diceman on Saturday, May 20, 2006 @ 3:07 |
| So who's gonna be the new owner of this $2000 beast?!?!
 
The Cooler Express SLI Triple Evaporator Cooling Unit can cool your rig's CPU and its SLI or Crossfire dual video card setup. If you wish for the ultimate overclocking potential, this system is for you. No other cooling system on the market allows you to run your 3 processors at higher speeds. Combine this unit with a top-end water cooling kit for your chipset and hard drives and you'll be able to run your computer far faster than it was ever intended.
This unit is designed for advanced users and installation of it should not be attempted by novices. The unit will keep your computer's processors at temperatures well below freezing so it needs to be installed carefully to avoid condensation that could short-circuit your computer. This extreme cooling system is designed for record breaking, it is not intended as a general purpose computer cooling system. | | | | |
| VH News: Friday 3rd Edition
Posted by Diceman on Friday, May 19, 2006 @ 4:34 |
| Leecho's Creature Case Project Part 2 @ MODTHEBOX.COM
copyright modthebox
"In the beginning I was planning to hinge the panels from the top and have them open like gull-wing doors on an expensive sports car. This would also require lots of open space on the desk to complete the upward swing. I had thought of using pistons, but could not find ones small enough, but at the same time strong. The panels stay in a closed position via magnetic strips, vinyl tape-like with adhesive backing."
Super Talent 2GB MEGA Screen MP3/FM/Recorder Player Review @ Bigbruin.com
Super Talent has come up with a great little device that does much more than just play MP3s. Even though the voice recording feature was of questionable quality, it did work well enough to be useful. The FM radio worked well as did the photo album function... One aspect of the Super Talent MEGA Screen Player can be seen as both a positive and a negative, depending on who you ask. The device does not support DRM, so you can not use subscription based music or otherwise protected files from places such as iTunes and Napster.
Thermaltake Armor Jr @ Bjorn3D
Remember Thermaltake Armor review? Forget that for the time being -- it's heavy, big and you don't necessarily like it because of it. The case I have with me is something that might be of interest: lightweight, aluminum, same Armor design sporting most of its features. Should I continue? Well, read on...
MSI K8N Diamond Plus nForce 4 SLI x16 @ Viper Lair
"MSI have a great board on their hands with the K8N Diamond Plus. There is a plethora of features and peripherals included onboard, and coupled with the extensive extras included, you should be very happy with the package overall. This of course comes hand in hand with a high price, but our thoughts are that is is a fair one."
DFI RS482 Infinity Motherboard Review @ HardwareLogic
"Well, there is no doubt left in my mind that DFI has definately done a great job and thought things through in creating the RS482 Infinity. With features like onboard DVI-D, TV and HDTV output, full 8 channel analog and digital audio inputs and outputs, PCI-Express graphics, four DIMM slots, and completely passive cooling, this board is obviously meant to satisfy the enthusiast media folks; and I think it definately succeeds. The DFI RS482 Infinity also comes with a nice little bundle to take advantage of all the video outputs and an instruction manual big enough to house an explanation of every setting, jumper, header, and BIOS setting available."
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| VH News: Friday 2nd Edition
Posted by Diceman on Friday, May 19, 2006 @ 6:01 |
| Zalman VF700-Cu LED Ultra Quiet VGA Cooler Review @ Tweaknews.net
"The VF700-Cu LED from Zalman has performed very well for me this past week and I can highly recommend it. With great looks and excellent performance, this cooler would be an asset to most any compatible graphics board out there. Installation was a snap thanks to Zalman’s online installation guides and compatibility charts, and the noise-to-cooling ratio is very good."
Magellan RoadMate 760 GPS Review @ The TechZone
The RoadMate 760 features turn-by-turn guidance with SayWhere text-to-speech technology that tells you the upcoming street name as well as distance to the turn. Also TrueView 3D visually indicates your next turn so you can confirm the direction at a glance. If you're stuck in a freeway traffic jam for more than couple of minutes, SmartDetour will automatically calculate a detour and ask you if you’d like to route around the congestion. You can turn the feature on and off, or personalize the settings for the maximum distance you’d like to detour. You may also choose to Detour anytime by touching the enter button while you are in an active route, even on city streets and backroads, to route around road work, closed roads, flooded streets or stopped traffic. | | | | |
| VH News: Thursday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Friday, May 19, 2006 @ 12:01 |
| Thermaltake ToughPower 550W Power Supply @ 3Dgameman.com
The Thermaltake ToughPower 550W Power Supply offers enough power for most computer systems and does support NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire setups. Although, I would recommend one of their newer ToughPower higher wattage Power Supplies with Active PFC for current SLI and CrossFire setups. This is to insure system stability. This Power Supply though does have affordability in its favor and a very quiet 120mm fan. If you are on a budget be sure to check this model out.
Cooler Master Blue Ice Pro @ Hardwarezone.com
Besides glowing a cool blue when turned on, the highlight of the fan is in its silent operation. According to Cooler Master's specifications, the Blue Ice Pro should hover around 22-26dBA at 4500 RPM and in our own testing, we could hardly hear its buzz among the noise of the other components making it an ideal cooler even in silent case environments.
Preview - ASRock AM2NF4G-SATA2 (GeForce 6100 + nForce 410) @ Hardwarezone.com
ASRock is the first manufacturer to get out a Socket AM2 motherboard geared towards the entry-level community and we've another preview just for you. With the AM2NF4G-SATA2 motherboard, users can look forward to AM2 and DDR2 on the cheap, but for now you can just look.
Foxconn 975X7AA-8EKRS2H Intel 975X Motherboard @ PCstats.com
Intel's latest chipset, the 975X, looks like it's a real gem thanks to ATi CrossFire support. The latest Foxconn motherboard to pass through the PCSTATS test labs is the 975X7AA-8EKRS2H, and it is a flagship motherboard for the Intel Pentium LGA775 processor platform. The Foxconn 975X7AA-8EKRS2H motherboard is powered by the Intel 975X Northbridge and Intel ICH7R Southbridge. It supports all Socket 775 processors that run on the 533/800/1066 MHz FSB; from Intel Celeron D right through to Pentium 4/D/XE.
Zalman VF-900 Review @ Tekbunker.com
Hey what's up guys, as many of you already know I did ruin my EVGA 7800 GT, but I got it replaced with the same exact card and I went out to the store and bought a Zalman VF-900 cooler to go along with it. I have many pictures to show you the process in removing the stock 7800 GT cooler, and then installing the Zalman VF-900 cooler.
ASUS AGEIA PhysX P1 Card @ Legit Reviews
Many of the features found on the AGEIA PhysX core architecture are still a mystery to many of us. The PhysX is said to have "dozens" of fully independent cores, which makes sense if the card has 20 giga-instructions per second (20 GIPS) like AGEIA told us. To sum the architecture up we know that PhysX cards consist of a PhysX PPU with a 125 million transistor chip built on TSMC's 130nm process that is connected over a high bandwidth bus to 128MB of GDDR3 memory running at 733MHz...
Soundgraph iMON VFD @ Techpowerup.com
The Soundgraph iMON VFD is the perfect accessory to turn your normal PC into a HTPC. The set is made of a bright and responsive VFD with an integrated volume control and large infrared remote control. Soundgraph has produced a solid gadget and has thought out an ingenious installation system. The software is incredibly easy to set up and use. The remote enables total control over the PC, while the VFD displays much more than just song titles and PC information.
RaidSonic ICY BOX IB-360UE-BL Series @ MVtek
External hard drives have become a very popular growing market, the need to transfer large amounts of data between locations and PC's is more common than ever, and all of us know that we should backup important data, but so few of us do. RaidSonic has been very active on this market and has solutions in every shape and format. One of those solutions is the ICY BOX IB-360UE-BL mobile storage that comes with both a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire connection. We will checkout this elegant and stylish enclosure, in terms of features and performance it delivers.
Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard @ OCIA.net
As you can see, the board gives off a nice blue glow which is actually just the right amount of brightness. I have seen other keyboards that are way too bright and tend to get annoying after a while. The G15 fits right into the middle category: not too bright but yet, not too dim either. One interesting thing to note here. When using the keyboard in a normally lit room, it still may be useful for some to keep the backlight on. Turning the backlight off results in somewhat "blank" looking board.
DLO TransDock Micro for iPod @ ThinkComputers.org
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters is a new sponsor to us here at ThinkComputers. If you have not heard of them they make some really cool products for iPods. Today we will be taking a look at a product that allows you to play your iPod's music over any car stereo while keeping your iPod charged as well. The TransDock Micro is one of DLO's newest products and one of the most useful as well, so let's take a look...
ECS MVP PA1 Rev 2.0 Motherboard @ Futurelooks.com
Previously, we've looked at ECS's Extreme series, but only on AMD's side of the story with the KN1 and KN1 SLI. To make things a little more fair, we've now got an entry for Intel, the MVP PA1, an Extreme series motherboard featuring ATi's RD400X and SB450 chipsets. Most notably, the MVP features Radeon Xpress 200 (a.k.a. CrossFire) for serious gaming action if one chooses to take on the upgrade.
OCZ Mini-Kart Ultra Slim USB 2.0 Flash Drive Review @ Tweaknews.net
Although this USB 2.0 drive is not the quickest on the market, the other features sure make up for the shortfall. Once you have this drive in your hand you will soon realize what I am talking about. This drive is just ridiculously small and has all the features you would expect from a normal flash drive. Hell, I loved even showing people this drive. Even the computer enthusiasts I have as friends did do a double take when they saw me pull this small unit out of my pocket. The drive that is.....I mean......sigh..... | | | | |
| VH News: Wednesday 3rd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 @ 10:20 |
| Thermaltake's Eureka "Home Server" Case @ Neoseeker.com
Their latest model, the Eureka, comes along side the Tai Chi, Kandalf and Armor cases in the upper echelon of the Thermaltake case lineup. The Tai Chi is easily the largest case we've ever reviewed, weighing significantly more than its all aluminum construction may suggest. The Tai Chi does not fit design wise with any of the other cases in their lineup, and sits in its own spot as the fatted chief way above the rest of their line. The Eureka comes in narrowly above the Shark and the Armor in Thermaltake's product offerings, but significantly less than half the price of the Tai Chi.
Western Digital WD5000KS 500 GB Hard Drive Review at XYZ Computing
Western Digital was the bigger winner at CES, due to the announcement of their 150 GB Raptor and the windowed Raptor X, but they have been relatively quiet since then. This is not that bad of a thing though, WD has been doing very well, at least on the consumer level, and offers some of the most competitive drives currently available. One of these is the focus of this review, the Caviar SE16 WD5000KS 500 GB. Half-terabyte hard drives have been appearing in consumers' dream systems for a few months now, but their price level has put them out of reach to most people. Though they may have a big price tag, they are a great way to consolidate a lot of information onto a single drive or RAID1 array.
Scythe Samurai SCSM-1000 Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com
The Scythe SCSM1000 Samurai is one of those all-in-one heatsinks that tries to accommodate virtually every kind of processor formfactor out there. Generally when coolers go down this route they either succeed on a few different CPU cores, or fail miserably on every single one. It all depends on the base of the heatsink, and a couple other factors we'll get into shortly.
X-Micro MusePod @ Hardwaresecrets.com
After the iPod Video release, we knew the market would be flooded with copycats - devices that would try hard to compete with Apple's new object of desire. The problem with X-Micro's MusePod is that the trying is not that hard at all. The company has released a good enough 20 GB MP3 player/recorder/FM radio that is also a mediocre digital video player. The basic features are executed as expected but the main one doesn't deliver.
Altec Lansing XT2 Review @ Extremeoctech.com
After playing with the XT2's from Altec Lansing we have come to a final thought and that thought is FREAKIN AWESOME! You would never believe that these little speakers could put out all of this sound. I will never doubt the little speakers again. Plus on top of them being made so well and the power plug adapter and even the deluxe carrying case! This makes the XT2's the perfect laptop speaker in my book. If we would have got the optional sub woofer to go with them it would replace my desktop set I have right now!
Mushkin XP2-6400 1 GB @ Techpowerup.com
With the XP2-6400 Mushkin has released their second generation of DDR2-800 memory. The memory comes with default timings of 4-4-3-10, which is a good deal better than most of the competition. The elegant black heatspreaders add to the looks of this memory. But this memory is not only about looks. The timings can be tightened down to 3-2-2-4. Relaxing them has an even better surprise for you - we reached DDR2-1104 at CL5.
Arctic Cooling Accelero X1 VGA Cooler @ Bigbruin.com
I am impressed by the performance of the Arctic Cooling Accelero X1. It outperforms the previous model, the NV Silencer 5, by a few degrees, and cooled the card much better than the default eVGA cooler. The Accelero X1 would be a great choice to keep your graphics card as cool as possible, especially if overclocking.
HIS X1600 Pro IceQ Turbo (single and Crossfire) @ Bigbruin.com
Today I am taking a look at a card for people who don't have a lot of money to spend on their video cards but still want to be able to get decent performance in games. The card in question is the HIS X1600 Pro IceQ Turbo with 128 MB DDR3 memory. With a low price, decent performance, low noiselevel and the ability to use it in Crossfire mode without any extra Master card on paper it sounds like an excellent product.
Scythe Ninja Plus CPU Cooler @ ThinkComputers.org
Today for review I have another product from our friends at Scythe. It is another CPU cooler, this one is a big CPU cooler. It is the Ninja Plus cooler, and it not only looks cool, it performs pretty well too. If you have a window in your case it will take all the attention from the rest of your components and be the center of attention. The Ninja Plus even offers a fanless mode as well for those that would like to have a truly quiet system. Let's check it out...
Logitech Z4 2.1 Speakers @ Modders-Inc.com
With the general opinion of the Z3 speaker combo being that of "lackluster", we were interested in seeing how it's predecessor, the Z4 2.1 combo, would perform in comparison. Has Logitech improved over the short-comings of the Z3, and is the Z4 combo a worthwhile investment for gamers and music enthusiasts? Check out our review to find out.
Sennheiser PC30/PC160 @ Pro-Clockers
People purchase headsets for numerous reasons, rather it be for conferencing, gaming or listening to music. And Sennheiser has been providing all of the above just what they need, great sounding head pieces. Today, they was gracious to send us two of their current PC models, the PC30 and the PC160. I am sure one of the two will appeal to our readers. Read on.
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| VH News: Wednesday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 @ 1:52 |
| XFX 7600 GS PCIe Video Card @ Legitreviews.com
The XFX 7600 GS Extreme Edition is a solid gaming card and can play pretty much every game out today with a lot of the higher detail settings enabled. Of course doing so means that you'll need to run at medium resolutions like 1024x768 but this is on a $135 video card remember?
ABIT AN8 32X @ Nordichardware.com
Today we'll be taking a closer look at Abit's latest creation for AMD's Socket 939 platform - the Abit AN8 32X. The motherboard is based on nVidia's latest edition of nForce4 chipsets that have been maturing considerably during the last six months, and now possess a stable position on the AMD market. Just like the name alludes to, we're talking about a motherboard with two sets of 16x PCI-Express lanes for a total quantity of 32.
939SLI32-eSATA2 Motherboard @ OCinside.de
In the overclocking test it was possible to reach a stable host clock of awesome 300 MHz with the default passive cooled chipset.
This is a nice result for an ULi Chipset instead of the usual ~ 270 MHz and this test result was achieved with default chipset voltage.
By increasing the chipset voltage this result could be surely improved.
Zalman CNPS9500 LED Intel/AMD Heatpipe CPU Cooler Review @ Tweaknews.net
Zalman has done it again. Their CNPS9500 LED cooler has it all. It's got performance, easy installation and virtually universal compatibility. With flawless fit and finish, an aggressive stance and a blue LED fan, it also has great looks and would be an excellent upgrade for the stock cooler.
IOGear BOSS 120GB Home/Office Network Server Appliance @ ThinkComputers.org
When looking for additional storage for your PC there are 2 choices; internal or external. When going the external route most people opt for USB or Firewire drives. They are fairly inexpensive and very easy to setup. How about storage that you can access from any PC in your house and even from anywhere via the internet? Yes I'm talking about network storage. Today I am taking a look at a really cool device that not only serves as network storage but also acts as a router. The product I'm talking about is the IOGear BOSS 120GB Home/Office Network Server Appliance from Geeks.com, so let's take a look.
SLi/Crossfire Ready PSUs from Aerocool, Cooler Master, and Thermaltake @ Atruereview.com
Though having a good PSU has always been
important, you really never had to worry about compatibility when it comes to power supplies. Power rating aside; as long as it was ATX and had plenty of Molex connections, you were good to go. Fast forward to today where RAID SATA drive setups and dual graphic cards are the staple of a premium computer system, choosing a PSU that supplies enough juice and is equipped with the latest standards is undeniably important to insure the compatibility and potential growth of your system. Of course, when I say the latest standards I am referring to the ATX 2.0 compliancy as well as being SLi/Crossfire ready.
Motorola X205 Gaming Headset @ DailyCE.com
Motorola is entering the world of consumer electronics as fiercely as ever. In addition to launching new cell phones and complimentary products, Motorola has now released the X205 gaming headset, particularly for sports and action games where collaborating with team players is essential.
Sennheiser BW900 Bluetooth Headset @ DailyCE.com
The company was working on the BW900 for the past three years and hopes to beat its competition with a number of features and improved quality for business users - the target market for this headset.
Corsair Nautilus 500 External CPU Water Cooling Unit Review and Give Away @ Bigbruin.com
The performance of the Corsair Nautilus 500 is respectable, but can not be considered extreme. Enthusiasts generally want water cooling for either extreme cooling or low noise operation, and the Nautilus offered neither. The system instead seems to be designed for an introduction to water cooling that keeps the end user's budget in mind.
Goodluck on the kit giveaway!
HIS X1300 IceQ Turbo and Dual DVI @ Overclockersonline.com
Without a doubt, both cards performed relatively well. The IceQ is
also a card not to overlook if you need a cheap card with ample performance. H.I.S. has once again come up with another diverse family. For anyone on a tight budget, H.I.S. has you covered with a high performance budget card to the fan free model ideal for the home theatre market. | | | | |
| VH News: Wednesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 @ 1:25 |
| SpirePower Rocketeer V 500W Modular Power Supply @ Pcapex.com
While I do not know what design firm had a hand in the Rocketeer series, the stylish looks were even appreciated by my wife, an unabashed neophyte to PC hardware. The cat also showed a lot of interest in the PSU; but I suspect that had more to do with her aberrant and compulsive attraction to packing peanuts and shiny things. The plated titanium colored finish is top notch as is the very nice touch of plating the bottom-mounted 120mm and rear 80mm wire fan grills in the same titanium finish.
Connect3D Radeon X1800 GTO 256MB Video Card @ Bona Fide Reviews
Today we have Connect3D's new X1800GTO video card in the BFR labs. The X1800GTO, the latest addition to the X1800 family, was launched back in March but only became available to buy in stores just last month. The GTO label is used to identify a card as a budget graphic solution. In the case of this card the X1800GTO is quite similiar to the higher-end X1800XL with the only difference being the number of pixel pipelines. The X1800GTO features 12 pipes while the XL and XT versions have a full 16.
VANTEC NexStar GX (NST-370GX) @ Hi-Techreviews.com
Want to spend less than $50.00 and get a hard drive enclosure that has that has all the features you will ever need? Then you may want to give the Vantec NexStar GX a once over. Here is a 3.5" hard drive enclosure that is not only easy on the eyes but also offers you a three-port USB hub built into the unit along with a temperature controlled fan to help keep your hard drive from getting to warm. To learn more about this product come on along as we check it out...
Asus Ageia PhysX Physics Processing Card @ Xsreviews.co.uk
This review is all about a product that is said to be the next leap in the gaming hardware world. Not only are we now able to run quad graphics card setups in SLI or Crossfire mode, Dual core processors and more, we are now able to run the physics of games through a single processing unit, a PPU (Physics Processing Unit). The principles of PPU technology is that by running all game physics through a dedicated physics "engine" it will be possible for much more realistic in-game physics. As apposed to pre-set animations of objects moving, they will (If all goes to plan) move in a much more realistic fashionm, with gravity and force playing much more influential roles in the movement of the objects than ever before. Currently there are few games that fully support PPU technology, but just to see how things are moving along with Asus' take on the Ageia PhysX card, we put it through its paces with our setup benchmarking software and games.
AcBel LCD Power Supply 550W @ Hardwarezone.com
For those who subscribe to the idea that the perfect power supply units (PSU) are faceless entities that just do their work reliably and with minimal fuss, think again. AcBel has a new product that raises the low profile of the PSU from tireless workhorse to a star in its own right. Yes, the humble PSU now garners some of the glam with its own specialized LCD display and it comes in a cool blue too.
SilverStone Temjin TJ08 Case @ 3Dgameman.com
The SilverStone Temjin TJ08 has a clean look and great design. The front is aluminum, but the remainder is steel and weighs in at only 5.5kg (12lbs). There are two 5.25" and two 3.5" external drive days and two internal 3.5" drive bays. This case also has a removable motherboard tray which makes installation of a motherboard, CPU, cooler, & memory simple. One big plus is the two quiet 120mm fans included with this product. This is a very unique feature for a micro-ATX case and will provide exceptional cooling inside the case. This is a full featured, affordable micro-ATX solution. Watch the Video to find out more...
Buffalo FireStix FSX1000D2C-K2G PC2-8000 DDR-2 Memory @ Pcstats.com
Buffalo Technology's 2GB PC2-8000 FireStix FSX1000D2C-K2G memory has a default clock speed of 1000 MHz (DDR2-1000) at CL 5-5-5-15, which when running in a dual channel configuration can provide up to 8GB/s worth of bandwidth. The interesting back story on these Firestix modules PCSTATS is about to benchmark for you is that the Buffalo engineers veered away from the standard JEDEC design, and relied instead on the talents of Kazuyoshi Tsukada to develop the PCB trace layout. Kazuyoshi-san has been recognized by JEDEC for PCB design, and now heads the Melco Inc. PCB design team.
Gigabyte 3D Rocket Cooler-Pro PCU22-VG Heatsink @ Frostytech.com
Known primarily as a motherboard manufacturer, Gigabyte first entered into the heatsink markets with a large cylindrical copper cooler called the 3D Cooler-Ultra (PCU31-VH); an excellent thermal solution that tipped the scales at over 700+ grams! This was followed by the 3D Rocket Cooler (PCU22-SE), 3D Cooler-Pro (PCU21-VG), and the budget minded G-Power Pro and Neon Cooler 8-BL heatsinks. Thus far, most of Gigabyte's heatsinks have been variations on the 3D Cooler design, with a couple of enhancements here and there for mainstream users who just need quiet multiplatform cooling.
Zalman VF900-Cu GPU Heatsink Review @ GruntvillE.com
I must say that the installation section of the manual is very detailed. I was amazed to see clear illustrations with each and every piece of the heatsink numbered and referenced. This heatsink is designed to be used by both of the popular platforms; ATI and NVIDIA. You can use the VF900 with ATI models 9000 and newer minus the popular 9600 and 9550 series. With NVIDIA, you can use the sink with a GF4 card or newer except for the AGP version of the 6600. That's a lot of video cards and I'm sure you'd be hard pressed to find another heatsink that can support this many late model cards. | | | | |
| VH News: Monday 3rd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 15, 2006 @ 11:54 |
| Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard @ Short-media.com
The possible uses of the screen are numerous. The keyboard comes
bundled with a few apps for the LCD panel such as a time and date panel, a CPU and RAM meter, a POP3 email reader, and a stopwatch applet. There is a community of modders that write applets for the panel, and Logitech has made the SDK available so that astute programmers can write their own.
Thermaltake Aquabay M4 @ Techpowerup.com
Thermaltake with its well known Aquabay series has added a HDD water cooler to its list of offerings for their water cooling kits. The new cooler is dubbed the M4 which is the next number in line for the Aquabay series. With the addition of this new HDD water cooler it opens a new debate as well "Do I really need to water cool my HDD?" We'll try to answer that question as we review the Thermaltake Aquabay M4.
DDR2 Memory: Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP) @ Legit Reviews
SLI Certified Memory for the nForce 590 SLI chipset will feature EPP and Corsair was the first to market with these EPP-based DIMMs. Corsair was one of the companies that took off and ran with Enhanced Performance Profiles as their customer base is enthusiast oriented. Other memory companies like Kingston and OCZ have been working with NVIDIA on EPP modules and when the upcoming AMD AM2 processors come out will be ready to support EPP.
BlueGears b-ice 120mm cooling fan @ Pro-Clockers
With every case manufacturer producing cases that utilize 120mm cooling fans, fans like the b-ice is a must have, especially when using them in clear cases or side panels. This would also benefit anyone that is in need of a larger CPU fan for their CPU heatsink. A perfect fit for someone using say an Aerocool XFire.
Corsair Cool GPU and VGA Water Blocks @ ThinkComputers.org
A short while ago I reviewed the Corsair Nautilus 500 external liquid cooling system. Corsair was also kind enough to send me their VGA and Chipset blocks to go with the Nautilus so that is what I have up on the review block today. We know from my review that the Nautilus is an excellent cooling solution for your CPU, but what happens when you want to cool your video card and your chipset along with the CPU all in the same loop? Well you'll have to read on to see how the Nautilus performed under the pressure...
Scythe MINE CPU Cooler @ Modthebox.com
With the base of the heat pipes welded or otherwise bonded to the copper core, heat is transferred to the solution within the pipes, which evaporates, rises through the fins where it is cooled, condensing and running back down the pipes to be heated once more. There are 6 pipes altogether on this design, and if I had any doubts as to the feasibility of heat pipes before, I certainly don't anymore.
ICY DOCK eSATA External 3.5'' Drive Enclosure @ Bjorn3d.com
SATA has been implemented primarily inside the desktop and more recently in laptops. The benefits of SATA are the higher bandwidth (300MB/s) and thinner cable. Because of these benefits, it has been recently adopted so that it can also be used with an external connector. eSATA is slowly being added to some of today's high-end motherboards, such as the Asus A8N32-SLI. In order to use the eSATA, the system motherboard needs to have the eSATA connector, or you can buy an expansion card that basically will route the internal SATA externally. The eSATA connector is basically a shielded version of the internal SATA connector with a few differences: | | | | |
| VH News: Monday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 15, 2006 @ 11:11 |
| Preview - ASUS M2N32-SLI (NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI) @ Hardwarezone.com
We have more Socket AM2 goodness coming your way and this time it is in the form of ASUS' upcoming AM2 motherboard. Packed with the high-end nForce 590 SLI chipset, ASUS ups the ante with the M2N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard. We know you can't resist a sneak peek, so read on.
Gigabyte GA-8N-SLI Quad Royal Motherboard @ Pcstats.com
The Gigabyte GA-8N-SLI Quad Royal is the first motherboard ever to feature four physical PCI Express x16 slots. This very special motherboard is based on the nVidia nForce SLI Intel Edition chipset, and as such supports Socket 775 Intel Pentium processors. The board actually has two nForce4 SLI chipsets PCB, the Intel (Northbridge) and AMD (Southbridge) edition work in tandem to support all four PCI Express x16 slots, and this is what makes the GA-8N-SLI Quad Royal feasible.
SilverStone Zeus ST56ZF 560 Watt Power Supply @ TechTastic.ca
Today we take a look at one of the first few Nvidia SLI certified power supplies from Silverstone. The Zeus ST56ZF power supply is rated at 560 Watts while operating at up to 50ºC internal temperature. The Zeus ST56ZF is also crossfire ready.
ECS 945G-M3 Motherboard @ Hothardware.com
As ECS continues to gain respect and attention in the enthusiast motherboard market, the company is of course extending its reach into the segment it is best known for - the budget segment. While high-end and enthusiast-level boards often cost $150 or more, budget and entry-level motherboards can usually be had for $70-90. Entry-level doesn't necessarily equate to a lack of great features though, as demonstrated by the two review candidates on the test bench today.
The ECS 945G-M3 motherboard is based on Intel's 945G chipset, while the ECS C19-A SLI motherboard is based on NVIDIA's nForce4 SLI XE chipset. Both boards sport an LGA775 socket, 667MHz DDR2 support, 1066MHz FSB support, gigabit Ethernet, SATA 3Gb/s ports and 8-channel audio.
Scythe Shogun Low Noise Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com
As quiet as the Scythe Shogun is, the heatsink is cursed by a set of mounting mechanisms that are complicated and unwieldy to install. The Scythe Shogun weighs in a hefty 790 grams, and stands to a towering height of 147mm above the CPU. The heatsinks' 120x120mm hypro-bearing fan spins at between 700RPM-1600RPM, while producing at most 45.9 dBA in our real world tests. Socket 775/478 Intel Pentium 4 and socket 754/940/939 AMD Athlon64 processors are supported by this model. It does not support AMD's socket AM2 processors, however.
ECS C19-A SLI Motherboard @ Phoronix
The ECS C19-A SLI is an all-around great SLI motherboard for
Intel users. The board formally supports Scalable Link Interface using the NVIDIA C19XE + MCP51 Chipset. Other features for this budget solution include Gigabit LAN, and Realtek 8-channel audio. The overclocking abilities are also surprising. | | | | |
| VH News: Monday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 15, 2006 @ 3:52 |
| AeroCool Dominator CPU Cooler @ Hard-h20.com
Aerocool introduced a lot of new products at CeBit this year. Among them we could see a new heatpipes cooler with a twist: it is one of the first ones that uses a huge 140mm fan that moves a lot of air with low noise. We will check how this behemoth behaves in our review. Read Aerocool Dominador CPU Cooler review.
OCZ 2x1024MB Platinum XTC Dual Channel PC-3700 Kit @ OCIA
The PC3700 EB memory looks like a fine piece of artwork with its XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heat spreaders. They have to be one of the nicest looking ram modules on the market today. The kit comes with 3-3-2-8 timings (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS) at DDR466 and feature OCZ's Enhanced Bandwidth Technology for improved memory bandwidth and stability.
Chaintech GeForce 7300 GS 256MB DDR2 @ Hardwarezone.com
While the standard NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GS comes at a core clock speed of 550MHz and 810MHz DDR for the memory, Chaintech offers an even lower-end version of this by using 256MB worth of cheaper DDR2 memory rated at 3.7ns compared to the usual 2.5ns used.
Aspire X-QPack @ Techpowerup.com
The Aspire X-QPack is a unique case, which has everything the gamer is looking for. It is small and portable, thanks to the integrated handle and has all the room one could need. The small power supply still packs a punch and can power all the latest hardware with its 420W. But Aspire did not stop there - they included a 12 cm blue LED fan, as well as thermal probes so you can keep an eye on your temps while playing your favourite games at a LAN party. We crammed the case completely full, using every last screw that was included and checked out how it performed.
Galaxy GeForce 7600 GS 256 GDDR3 @ Hexus.net
Not only have they laughed in the face of 7600 GS's reference clock settings, but they've thrown out the obnoxious little reference cooler and attached something entirely more attractive in its place. And all while offering you other goodies to aid even more performance to be investigated without fear of breaking or voiding anything.
Budget Graphics Cards Compared @ Techreport.com
Can S3's Chrome S27 pull off an improbable coup and snatch the budget graphics crown, or does either the Radeon X1300 Pro or the GeForce 7300 GS prove superior? We've rounded up a trio of graphics cards that cost under $80 and subjected them to an array of graphics performance and video playback tests to find out.
LG-VX9800 by Verizon @ Digitaltrends.com
The LG-VX9800 by Verizon, for instance, flips open like a toy laptop, sort of a smaller version of the Nokia 9500 Communicator. It has a tiny QWERTY keyboard on the base and a 2.25-inch landscape LCD screen with a pair of stereo speakers on either side, which makes it ideal for video and TV watching; however, messaging, not video, is the VX9800's primary non-cell phone function. The VX9800 is not a good music phone, and it's too chubby for jeans pockets. If you need a messaging phone, choose a real Blackberry. If you need a Verizon multimedia phone, go with the LG VX8100 or Samsung SCH- A950.
ASUS AM2 Motherboard Lineup @ Dailytech.com
With the AM2 and MCP55 launches just around the corner (May 23, 2006), motherboards are already starting to trickle into the retail channel. DailyTech recently obtained the complete ASUS AM2 launch roadmap, including ATI, NVIDIA and VIA offerings.
Gigabyte AM2 Motherboard Lineup @ Dailytech.com
Gigabyte has five "tiers" of upcoming AM2 motherboards, each denoted by an "S." An "S5" motherboard is more high-end than an "S4" motherboard. Each "S" denotes a different feature, such as SLI, Silent, etc. | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 1st Edition
Posted by Diceman on Saturday, May 13, 2006 @ 4:06 |
| Mushkin PC2-6400 DDR2 Memory Review @ 3DGameman
“Mushkin offers a few memory options and have a number of different memory performance categories which include Perfectmatch Memory (PM), Enhanced Memory (EM), High Performance (HP) and Extreme Performance (XP). The XP2-6400 memory is really meant for anyone who is interested in pushing their memory to the limit. This will really please enthusiasts who are interested in overclocking but also want to save a few dollars…”
Antec Performance One P150 Case Review @ Futurelooks
We got our grubby little hands on Antec's P150, a milky white case that looks eerily like something Apple would approve of. So come on and check out what we thought!
AeroCool Dominator CPU Cooler Review @ hard-h2o
Aerocool introduced a lot of new products at CeBit this year. Among them we could see a new heatpipes cooler with a twist: it is one of the first ones that uses a huge 140mm fan that moves a lot of air with low noise.
Razer Diamondback and Copperhead giveaway at Modders-Inc.com
Modders-Inc.com is entering the last week of our Razer Mice and Mantis Pads Giveaway! If you want a chance to win a Razer Copperhead Mouse and a Mantis Mat of your choice just check out the contest page too enter. It is so simple to win, so what are you waiting for?
2006 E3 Booth Babes - Day 3 @ The TechZone
E3 is over and these are the reminder of our booth babe pics. We save some of the best for last. This set of photos includes the always hot Tecmo girls, the Logitech SIN girls, the THG Cars babes and a whole lot more. Enjoy!
E3 2006 Show Floor Gallery @ futurelooks
For those of you that couldn’t be there, we got pictures from the E3 Show Floor. Enjoy all the crazy booths, creatures, and products from the show.
PCApex E3 2006 Booth Babe Gallery
Well gang, I uploaded all of the decent or better quality pics we took while at the convention. There may be more added later from other sources but for now there are 70+ pics there for you to oogle at. ENJOY! | | | | |
| VH News: Friday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Friday, May 12, 2006 @ 10:16 |
| Corsair Nautilus 500 External Water Cooling Kit @ Modthebox.com
While Corsair's earlier external water cooling kit "The HydroCool 200" was quite bulky, the Nautilus 500 is much more compact, streamlined, and lighter. Made of plastic, the central unit looks very neat and clean. The high density polyethylene reservoir can be seen from the front, which glows green when powered. A metal filler cap is used on the top, as well as a 120mm exhaust fan with protective grill. The rear of the unit is also clean, with inlet and
outlet quick connect ports, power cable and fan speed selector switch.
ASUS EN7600GT Silent (GeForce 7600 GT 256MB) @ Hardwarezone.com
Besides going for the gamers and enthusiasts with faster and more overclockable products, there is also a segment of the market that prefers quiet peace of mind to having a slight improvement in frame rates. A mid-range card like the GeForce 7600 GT is also likely to find favor with those with home theater PCs, where graphical prowess may be secondary concerns compared with heat and noise output. Therefore, a passively cooled GeForce 7600 GT is a logical approach for any vendor hoping to carve a niche in the crowded GeForce 7600 GT market. And that is exactly what ASUS has done for its new EN7600GT Silent.
NiBiTor (NVIDIA BIOS Editor) v2.9 @ Mvktech.net
MVKTech has just released a new version of NVIDIA BIOS Editor (NiBiTor) software. NiBiTor is the original and defenitive BIOS tweaker that supports the latest NVIDIA graphics cards. NiBiTor allows graphics card enthusiasts to have full control over advanced features and functionality found on firmware on supporting cards. This to gain some extra performance, enable hidden features and extra stability on the NVIDIA graphics cards.
NVIDIA nForce 500 Series Presentation @ Techpowerup.com
This press presentation from NVIDIA talks about the upcoming nForce 500 Series chipsets. One interesting feature is SLI Memory (EPP Memory) which has been developed together with Corsair. Another highlight is the new networking support in nForce500 which offers dual Gigabit with technology that makes you "King of Ping" and also lets you link together two GigE links. You want RAID with 6 SATA drives? That's possible with nForce 500 too.
Tuniq 2 Cooler @ Pro-Clockers.com
Tuniq may be a division of Sunbeamtech, but with the introduction of arguably one of the best coolers around today, the Tuniq Tower 120, they have set themselves apart from the rest. The Tower 120 was put up against the likes of the Thermalright XP120, Thermaltake Big Typhoon, Zalman 9500 and countless others on many review sites and came out on top in some of the cases. But can their latest tower, the Tuniq 2 have the same effect as well? We shall see.
Asus P5WD2-E Premium Motherboard @ Viperlair.com
Asus are well known for high quality and performance, a hard combo to attain, much less maintain on a constant basis. With the P5WD2-E Premium, Asus once again shows us a motherboard thats not only built well, it performs like no other I have tested previously. Overclocking is not just a possibility, it is a requirement with this board; simplistic enablement of Overclocking for the beginner, and advanced controls for those of us that like the outer edge a bit more.
OCZ 1GB Gold & Platinum XTC PC2 5400 DDR2 Memory Kits @ Bigbruin.com
The test results all show that at or around default speed the Gold series can provide results close to what the Platinum series offers, and for about $25 less. The differences in scores between the two sets of memory will also disappear when translated to real world experience, and the bottom line is that you will have a few more dollars left in your wallet.
Razer Krait Mouse @ Phoronix
Since Razer's first product, the Boomslang, they have been on
an almost unstoppable winning streak with their various gaming
peripherals. The last Razer mouse that we had the opportunity to caress was the Razer Copperhead, and today we took up the opportunity to examine one of their recent creations, the Krait. What new features do the Razer Krait bring to the mouse pad? For one, its rare in the fact that its a gaming mouse yet they reverted to a traditional three button design, compared to other mice that now sport five or even eight buttons.
XPS System Makeover @ Hexus.net
These new chassis are made of 2mm thick aluminum and are designed in a BTX-like-fashion. They will launch in the US first with a 3 week delay on launch in the UK. No one could give us a firm date for launch though. They will come in a series of colours and it will be an option when configuring the system. Instead of having a light on the front which you can change in the BIOS, these new Dell XPS chassis have a light which shines through and allows you to see the ports on the back.
Ageia PhysX Graphics @ Atomicmpc.com
Our view of the game world needs to be enhanced to feel like the real world so those laws can be broken and unreal worlds created. Imagine playing a good Matrix game! We need PPUs because it's like having HDTV – once you've played it there's no going back. We've been promised the true essence of simulation for too long now, and finally the tools to make that a reality are being delivered. We have all heard so many promises that have turned out to be empty over the years. Bring on the totally destructible polygons. Bring on interactive object-driven environments. The PhysX PPU is out of this world.
Spire VertiCool II and DiamondCool II @ Overclockersonline.com
So how do we classify these new coolers from Spire? Considering that the cost for either HSF is ~$32 according to PriceWatch, I think that one word sums it up: balance. Both units run cooler than the stock equipment while producing less noise, which is something that we can all respect. But in the end, the VertiCool II is the better performer, and thus, the better cooler.
The Game O' 3D Gaming Mouse @ Thetechzone.com
The Game O' 3D gaming mouse opens up new frontiers for gamers to explore, by offering enhanced movement options and flexibility. For example, in FPS, Game O' offers gamers a way to move forward, backwards, sideways, jump, crouch, pitch, yaw and roll without using the keyboard. Gamers' left hands are free to execute commands that were mutually exclusive with WASD keys. In RTS and RPG titles, gamers are able to issue game commands while simultaneously adjusting the screen view during online battles, as they no longer have to move the cursor to the edge of the screen to move the camera. | | | | |
| VH News: Thursday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Thursday, May 11, 2006 @ 11:02 |
| Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit
The keyboard has come a long way. What was once just a device to input key strokes, is now used for word processing and to play the latest games. Saitek has stepped in with their Pro Gamer Command Unit to provide the next evolution of the keyboard. The idea behind the Pro Gamer is to provide gamers the ability to load different profiles depending on which game they are playing. So if a first person shooter is your flavor of the month, you can easily switch to a profile that best suits your needs."
Kingwin Supernova HTPC Case @ Modthebox.com
The sides of the Supernova HTPC Case are constructed from 1/2 inch extruded aluminum that provides strength while keeping the weight down. The rear of the case is also made from aluminum except for the motherboard I/O plate and PCI area which is made from steel. There are two 60mm fans to help extract the heat that were surprisingly quiet when tested in silence on the bench. The
Supernova uses a full sized ATX spec PSU which is not included giving the end user the option to use a PSU of their choice.
Bluetake Bluetooth Headset & Adapter @ techniz.co.uk
Gain more freedom with the novel Bluetooth ® Headset BT400 G5 while you're out for an amble or in for a meeting. The imperceptible wireless connection is reach to 10 meters and needs no any line of sight of your mobile phone, free your hands. Moderate talk and standby time add to the easy and pleasurable experience. A flexible ear hook which not only provides wear elasticity but also gives a cosy wear experience, additionally the sturdy conjunction makes the BT400 G5 stays in the place even when you're in motion. The BT400 G5 Bluetooth ® Headset is effortlessly used with any mobile phone which supports the Bluetooth ® Headset and Hands-Free profiles.
ECS C19-A SLI (NVIDIA nForce4 SLI XE) @ Hardwarezone.com
ECS attempts to take on the big boys with an attractively priced board that gives SLI hungry Intel users a reason to drool. At first glance, the C19-A SLI sports some really spartan features, but once you take this nForce4 SLI XE powered motherboard on a test run, you won't be looking back.
Logitech G15 Review @ Maximum CPU
You’ve probably heard, or at least seen this keyboard before—it’s hard to miss. Coming from the well established Logitech, this board is their top-of-the-line peripheral targeted to the gamer with everything. With features that include an LCD display and eighteen extra macro keys, she’s loaded for war.
Samsung YP-F1 XB MP3 Player @ DreamWare Computers
In the past we've looked at many MP3 players from Samsung. These have ranged in size from big to small, and capacities from small flash-based players to large hard drive models. Today we're looking at the YP-F1 XB, which is a player from their newer line of the popular Yepp MP3 players.
Powercolor X1800GTO @ Techpowerup.com
The X1800 GTO cards use regular X1800XL chips with just 12 rasterizing pipelines instead of 16. Clocks are still at 500 MHz for both memory and core. We tested this card and found it is an overclocker's dream. Even though we could not unlock the extra pipelines, the card still overclocks very well, in our case to over 700 MHz on air cooling.
ABIT Fatal1ty Professional AN9 32X Motherboard @ Legit Reviews
Walking through the ABIT/Fatal1ty booth at E3 this year we spotted one of the upcoming NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP motherboards on display in plain site. This is the first time that ABIT has shown off the final version of their board and Legit Reviews was on hand to bring you the photos. Read on to see the final revision of the ABIT Fatal1ty Professional AN9 32X motherboard!
Shuttle SD36G5M Motherboard @ Hothardware.com
With the release of the new SD36G5M, Shuttle has brought to market a potent system which supports Windows Media Center and conforms to Intel's VIIV platform. Although packaged in the familiar "G" style chassis, the SD36G5M is equipped with a wealth of new features and functionality that differentiate it in the field of existing products in the marketplace.
Logitech V400 Laser Cordless Mouse Review @ CoolTechZone.com
The V400 is designed to be a road warrior mouse, according to Logitech. The statement is bold, no doubt. While we’ll certainly assess the device in normally used conditions, the most exciting feature appears to be the dual laser design. Instead of having a single laser, there are two that should theoretically increase responsiveness and precision on sensitive surfaces. How well does it work? Read on and find out... | | | | |
| VH News: Thursday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Thursday, May 11, 2006 @ 2:49 |
| Microsoft Workplace of the Future Concept Photos
Therein lies the future of information technology as seen through the eyes of the Center for Information Work (CIW), the concept office on Microsoft's Redmond, Wash., campus.
Microsoft Updates the Office of the Future
"The newly expanded CIW is our companywide think tank for cultivating that knowledge and applying it to the next generation of software-based productivity tools," Microsoft CIW group product manager Tom Gruver told CNET News.com.
Microsoft releases Windows CE 6 beta
Microsoft has unveiled a test version of its Windows CE 6 operating system for embedded devices.
The operating system is commonly used in set-top boxes, GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, PDAs, industrial automation and medical devices. Products with the new OS are expected next year.
Microsoft said it has redesigned the kernel, or heart of the OS, and exponentially expanded the capacity for simultaneous processes from 32 to 32,000.
A Look At Will Wright's E3 Spore Presentation @ ThinkGaming.org
The show floor opened up this morning to early-access press only and I headed straight for EA’s booth to check out some of their offerings. In addition to Crysis and Battlefield 2142 playable on the showfloor, there was a Spore presentation being ran by the master Will Wright himself. Here is an overview and some screenshots of what he had to say.
Shuttle VIIV Compliant SD36G5M XPC @ Hothardware.com
With the release of the new SD36G5M, Shuttle has brought to market a potent system which supports Windows Media Center and conforms to Intel's VIIV platform. Although packaged in the familiar "G" style chassis, the SD36G5M is equipped with a wealth of new features and functionality that differentiate it in the field of existing products in the marketplace.
OCZ Mini-Kart 1GB @ Phoronix
Last year we had presented our findings from the OCZ
Technology Rally drives, which was the company's first stab at creating a competitive USB flash device, and the drive has been the fastest competitor we have seen to this point and took its reign from the Corsair Flash Voyager. Today we have our hands on the recently announced OCZ Mini-Kart.
Universal Abit First Out the Door With HDMI Motherboard
The motherboard features a 667MHz front side bus and the ICH7m-DH southbridge. A Core 2 Duo (Merom) processor is capable of taking advantage of the full DDR2 533MHz bus as well. Firewire, dual SATA 3.0Gbps interfaces and optical HDA input/outputs are all standard on the IL-80MV. Of course, the news shocker is that this motherboard features 15-pin D-sub analog and HDMI video out.
Introducing "Tritium": NVIDIA's System-Wide Component Platform
NVIDIA has plans for the ultimate overclocker's system - your next motherboard may be an overclocking monster!
* CPU memory interface: DDR2 interface running at 800MHz
* CPU C51XE 16 x 16 HyperTransport interface: 1.5GHz
* C51XE x16 PCI Express link: 150MHz
* C51XE/MCP55XE 16 x 16 HyperTransport interface: 1.5GHz
* MCP55XE x16 PCI Express link: 150MHz reference clock
Pioneer to Offer 600W 5.1 Channel Solution for XBOX 360
Pioneer's HTP-XGS1 is a 5.1 channel surround sound system custom designed for the XBOX 360 console. It has a total power output of 600W through 5 satellite speakers: front left/right, center, and rear left/right, plus a subwoofer for bass. The system has 2 optical inputs, 1 coaxial, an analog input for audio and an AM/FM tuner.
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| VH News: Wednesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 @ 11:38 |
| Additional members of the GeForce 7 family? @ Ngohq.com
Today we had the chance to speak with a very reliable, unofficial source who is very familiar with some of Nvidia’s plans. The same source gave us some news regarding additional members of the GeForce 7 family. Since this source is unofficial, consider the following information as a rumor: 7900GS, 7600GTX, 7600LE and 7300GT.
Athlon 64 X2 4600+ and Athlon 64 FX-60 @ Hardwaresecrets.com
Dual-core technology is finally a reality and the tendency is that all mainstream CPUs to become dual-core in a near future. But will average users really benefit from it? In this review we've got two CPUs running at the same clock rate, Athlon 64 3800+ and Athlon 64 X2 4600+ (both running at 2.4 GHz), and could see if there is a real performance gain for regular users. We also checked Athlon 64 FX-60 performance, which is a dual-core Athlon 64 FX running at 2.6 GHz.
ThermoHawk 400 Touchless Thermometer @ Metku.net
Sensor in ThermoHawks operates by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the object/surface being measured. This technique brings a lot of benefits. Being touchless is one of the most crucial. This allows you to take measurements from very hot, sterile or hazardous material that would be impossible with many thermometers that are operated via a physical contact.
SteelPad QcK+ Gaming Mousepad @ Techpowerup.com
SteelPad have been around for some time now and have an excellent reputation for producing high quality mouse pads. The SteelSeries SteelPad QcK+ is made with the gamer or graphics designer in mind. This pad offers so much surface area that you will never run out of space when things get hectic. The fabric used ensures high precision in all scenarios, even the highest resolutions on optical mice. Another plus is that this nice pad comes at a bargain price of under $15.
The Kingston DataTraveler Elite - Privacy Edition @ Legit Reviews
If you enter a wrong password a small window will pop up informing you that you have entered an invalid password. If you enter an invalid password more than 25 times the drive will lock the user out and need to be formatted. We thought we would see if this was true and entered the wrong password 21 times and on the 21-24 tries we got...
Noctua NH-U12 & NH-U9 Coolers @ Ocia.net
Both coolers feature four dual heat-pipes through 38 aluminum cooling fins mounted to a copper base, all soldered for maximum thermal convectivity. The NH-U9 is designed to be used with 80mm and 92mm fans; the NH-U12 with 120mm fans. Both coolers can mount two fans at once and are compatible with Intel Socket 478, LGA 775, and AMD K8. Both of these coolers are quite large: the NH-U9 has over 3,800 square centimeters of surface area and the NH-U12 has over 5,000.
OCZ GameXStream 700 Watt PSU @ Pro-Clockers
There was probably no power supply as popular or as trustworthy as the PowerStream line from OCZ. And with as much respect that power supply has gotten over the years, OCZ would be hard pressed to come up with a better unit. But, they have released the new GameXStream 600 and 700 watt power boxes. Will it compete with the PowerStream, we will soon see.
Kingston launch 2GB DDR with 2-2-2-5 Timings @ Pureoverclock.com
Kingston have been a little quite with there DDR1 HyperX range for quite a while now, but today’s announcement brings that to an end! Kingston have announced some tasty new DDR400 modules with super fast 2-2-2-5 timings in 2x1GB configurations.
Creative Zen Vision:M @ Bjorn3d.com
Creative have been working hard to get out of the shadow and created some fine products. My last MP3-player was a Creative Zen Micro, which I was satisfied with. It might not have looked as snazy as the iPOD Mini but the sound quality was brilliant and it had FM-radio, a feature I like.
Samsung YP-T8Z 1Gig Portable Media Player Review @ Tweaknews.net
Overall I would have no problem recommending this player to someone wanting an all-in-one product in such a small package. With all these feature packed into one small ergonomic package, the only thing you might have a problem with is the initial price tag. But as many wise people say with respect to many characteristics of life.....you get what you pay for.
Altec Lansing AHP612 Wireless Headphones @ ThinkComputers.org
Another wireless product up on the test block, this time it's the Altec Lansing's AHP612 Wireless Headphones. These headphones do not use the ever popular Bluetooth wireless technology. Instead they use omni-directional 900 MHz technology that delivers clear, accurate sound through walls, floors and ceilings. Bluetooth is limited by its short distance range so let’s see how these headphones compare to the previous ones we looked at.
XtremeMac MicroFolio iPod Case @ Bytesector
One of the reasons that the iPod is such a cultural phenomenon is its great looks. The reflective pure white/black front, with the bare metal back makes it a stylish and unique item on the market. Unfortunately, the highly reflective finish is a magnet for scratches, and after a few weeks of bouncing around in your pockets, it looks decidedly less stylish.
Asustek PW201 LCD Panel with Webcam @ DailyCE.com
The PW201 supports 1680x1050 resolution, 800:1 contrast ratio,
300nits brightness, composite, S-Video, and component support, DVI-D and D-SUB inputs, built-in 3W stereo speakers, a headphones jack, flexible tilting angle and height adjustment, portrait and landscape viewing options, and a security lock.
Toshiba Qosmio F20 Notebook Review @ CoolTechZone.com
There are times when an ultra slim notebook just doesn’t cut it. Times when you wish it had more power and could do more, much more than what a regular Sony VAIO would let you do. The Qosmio F20 is an answer to just such a need, provided you are willing to turn a blind eye to its "slightly" bulky size and weight.
Sytrin KuFormula VF1 Plus VGA Cooler Review @ Modthebox.com
The video card, which for many of us is probably the most expensive single component in our computer systems, is obviously the most important part of any gaming system. Unfortunately, many video cards come with woefully inadequate cooling. Anyone with the misfortune to have had a fan fail on their video card and experience constant crashes, blue screens, graphical corruption etc will testify to the general inadequacy of most stock offerings.
HP Gets Personal with its Latest Notebooks @ Hardwarezone.com
HP unveiled five new business notebooks and two consumer notebooks recently at a special press preview at Seoul, South Korea. Hardware Zone was there to witness it all and has all the juicy details here. | | | | |
| VH News: Tuesday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 @ 1:09 |
| All Pentium D and Pentium Extreme Edition Models @ Hardwaresecrets.com
Pentium D is a dual-core version of Pentium 4, and Pentium Extreme Edition is a Pentium D with HyperThreading technology enabled. Pentium D and Pentium Extreme Edition CPUs can be found using two different core versions: Smithfield and Presler. In this tutorial we will talk about these two core versions and we will also list all Pentium D and Pentium Extreme Edition models released to date...
Testing the 3D Performance of Your PC With Quake 4 @ Hardwaresecrets.com
One of the best ways to benchmark the performance of your PC is running a heavy 3D game, since it will pull the maximum performance your video card, CPU, memories and hard disk drive can deliver. Quake 4 fits nicely in this role for PCs found on the market today. In this short tutorial we will teach you how to use Quake 4 to measure the performance of a PC.
Sony Shows How Desperate They Really Are @ Bona Fide Reviews
Well done Sony. You have managed to show you have no creativity what-so-ever and, when it comes to gaming, all you know is hardware. Today Sony revealed it's "new" final version of the PS3 controller. Looks exactly like the PS2 controller doesn't it? Instead of redesigning the controller, they simply went back to the original but they threw in an extra gimmick; the controller senses 3D movement.
Battle of the Backups @ Short-Media.com
Human nature being what it is, the easier it is for you to regularly do a comprehensive backup of your data the more likely it will be that you’ll do it. Part of this article will explore two different programs which can automate the task to a large extent, increasing the odds that should misfortune strike it will be merely a nuisance – and not an unrecoverable calamity.
It's swag time around the sites. Naturally, we would love to hog you all to ourselves, but that wouldn't be fair to you. Here are some sites that you can win some "toyz" at. Good luck!
May Swiftech Giveway @ XYZ Computing
The prize this time around is a Swiftech H20-120-P Watercooling Kit and RadBox. We reviewed this kit a long time ago and now we are giving it away! This prize is very DIY, so if it is not for you there are some other prizes to choose from like a Spire 939 CPU Cooler, Arctic Cooling 939 CPU cooler, Crucial Ballistix T-shirt, Steelpad S&S mouse pad, X Ray Technologies Thunder 8 mouse pad, SlickSteel mouse pad...
Bjorn3D 10 Year Birthday Contest
The prizes are:
1st Place will get: XFX 7900GT VIVO with TombRaider Game
2nd Place will get: 2 XFX 7600GT's for SLI with GRAW Game
3rd Place will get: XFX Headset with Forcefeed back and Mic and XFX GamePad
3DGameman's Massive Giveaway
3dGameMan teams up with Cooler Master, Crucial, Hiper Group, SilverStone, Thermaltake and Ultra Products to bring you Giveaway/Contest 27: Site Re-Design Grand Opening. Sponsored products: Cooler Master providing Stacker Case, Crucial providing 1GB PC3200 DDR Memory, Hiper Group providing Hiper 580W PSU, SilverStone providing EB01, MS01, & MS02, Thermaltake providing Matrix VX Case, Ultra Products providing Xfinity, X2 PSUs and Aluminus Case.
Step-by-step to Creating a Dual Screen System @ Techzone.com
A big reason why people have not adopted dual monitors is because many simply don't know how to set them up. Well, after reading this article, you'll have all the knowledge you'll need to double your viewing pleasure. Now only will we show you the step by step, but we'll also show you the equipment to buy and the software to use.
Building an Infrared Transmitter for Your PC @ Hardwaresecrets.com
Several motherboards have the necessary hardware for the installation of an infrared transmitter/receiver, requiring only the installation of a module containing the infrared sensor. The great problem, however, is that this module is not easily found in the market and, when it is, its price is high. In this tutorial we will show you how to build this module spending barelly nothing. Any user who knows how to use a solder iron can assemble it.
Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z5 Digital Camera @ DailyCE.com
According to Casio, the EX-Z5 is beginner friendly with numerous
default settings, such as the ones for outside, night and inside shots. The camera has the ability to switch to an easy mode, which is again a beginner friendly option, since they won't have to worry about technical features. Personally, one of our favorite technologies is the anti-shake feature. As the name suggests, it stabilizes the image even if you have can't hold the camera still, which is indeed a common occurrence.
Kodak EasyShare V570 Digital Camera Review @ CoolTechZone.com
As if buying a camera wasn’t already confusing enough - with megapixel counts, digital or optical zoom? How much zoom? What kind of memory? What kind of automatic modes and such? Kodak adds a whole new twist to the buying decision. How many lenses? Yes, with the V570, Kodak has released the world’s first dual lens camera. | | | | |
| VH News: Tuesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 @ 12:48 |
| AeroCool ExtremeEngine 3.0 Case @ Neoseeker.com
The NH-U 12 is an absolute giant that is equipped with a robust cast/machined solid copper base. Clamped and soldered to this base are 4 copper heat pipes, each molded from 1/4" diameter thin walled copper tubing. Wrapped around those copper spires - 38 stamped aluminum cooling fins. This cooler is perfectly industrious in its nature.
Dopod 577W (WiFi) @ Hardwarezone.com
You're not alone if you thought the Dopod 577W looks uncannily like something you've seen before. Truth is, the design of the Dopod 577W was actually the O2 Orion in the making until the plug was pulled. However, don't let the new name fool you because even with a new model name, the Dopod 577W still packs quite a hefty list of specifications to rank itself as more than just your average Smartphone.
Sony Press Conference Overview – Opinions on the PS3 and more… @ ThinkGaming.org
The E3 madness has begun today with Sony’s press conference covering all of the latest of Sony’s offerings, including some new details on the PSP and all that you’d want to see and hear about the Playstation 3. Key points included a large collection of PS3 game demos and trailers never-before-seen as well as price points and release dates for the PS3.
PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1KW PSU @ 3Dgameman.com
Who would have thought that 1000 watts would be used in a personal computer system! Well, the fact is, most still don't require this kind of serious power. However, for the serious computer user and especially the hardcore gamer, it most definitely is. With dual NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire setups becoming common place, a high-quality power supply with lots of juice is a necessity. Also, most serious gamers will push their systems to the absolute limit...
nVidia Quad SLI Introduction – Gaming Future Looks Good @ Tweaktown.com
When it comes to buying these cards for your own Quad SLI system, you really would be stupid to purchase them if you’re using anything less than a 30” LCD monitor. We can see that even then we aren’t unlocking the full potential. The other thing to remember - Gigabyte mentioned to us is that the next system that they build, it is going to revolve around Intel Conroe and AMD AM2 processors. While initial benchmarks for AM2 don’t look all that exciting, Conroe on the other hand looks like it’s going to be the next “in” chip for enthusiast PC users with up to 40% increases in performance. This will go along way to improve the CPU limitation factor which we’re starting to see so much these days.
Toshiba 120GB MK1234GSX SATA Hard Drive @ Rojakpot.com
Thanks to its higher areal density and spindle speed, the Toshiba MK1234GSX is much faster than small capacity 4200 RPM hard drives like the Fujitsu MHT2040AT. Our tests showed that the Toshiba hard drive had a 33% faster read speed and a 14% faster random access time than the Fujitsu hard drive.
HighSpeed PC Tech Station Review @ Legit Reviews
The Large Tech Station is exactly was I was looking for to hold all of my gear that I have in my test bench. It allows me to have everything in one easy to access location, and gives me the peace of mind that all of my gear is safe and secure. The Tech Station was a very easy build, and should not take more than the 20 minutes to put together as claimed by HighSpeed PC...
Sapphire TOXIC Radeon X1900 XTX @ Hexus.net
Almost 100% of the criticism of ATI's latest high-end Radeons revolves around the cooler, such is its Bernard Manning-esque levels of obnoxiousness. You can't really fault performance, image quality is class-leading and having one (or two) in your PC means you're a discerning purchaser of potent pixel pushers. But (unless you're as deaf as a post) I bet you don't like the cooler.
Corsair Nautilus500 Water Cooling System @ Techfear.com
Anyone that's in the market for an inexpensive water cooling kit should take a look at the Corsair Nautilus500. With a quick installation and robust cross-compatibility with various socket types it's one of the most complete kits on the market.
Noctua NH-U9 and NH-U12 CPU Coolers @ Bigbruin.com
The Noctua NH-U9 and NH-U12 can now be included in a class with the cooling elite; joining such well performing coolers such as the Zalman Fatal1ty, Thermalright HR-01, and Thermaltake Big Typhoon. I had a great first impression of the Noctua coolers from the moment I opened the box, and I was not disappointed once I had tested their performance.
Spire DiamondCool II @ Pro-Clockers.com
As you expect from Spire, the entire heatsink is made of 100% pure quality copper to produce the highest quality of product possible. A signature Spire "UV-Reactant Spider Fan" sits atop the base pushing an astonishing 25.78CFM (airflow) and at under 21dBA (noise level). With all its features, style and Spire’s respected name, any techie will tell you, the DiamondCool II is the only choice for you!
Spire VertiCool II @ Pro-Clockers.com
We have being reviewing Spire products on PC for a good little while. And doing that time we have seen some really sweet products come from them. From their Italian designed Pininfarina cases to their popular DiamondCool heatsink. Today, Spire was cool enough to send over their latest coolers, the DiamondCool II and VertiCool II. And let’s see how they compare.
Kingwin KF-25 Data Dock @ Modthebox.com
The front portion of the KF-25 includes a 4-port USB HUB Tray and 2.5" HDD Tray. These pocket sized devices can be used right at home within the Data Dock, or on their own with a USB cable. Each of the stainless steel trays is clearly labeled HUB or Hard Drive. The back tray's include a USB port for stand alone external use, or to interface with the KF-25 when docked.
Aerocool XFire CPU Cooler @ ThinkComputers.org
Aerocool is a great name for a company that makes cooling products don't you think? The name alone is sleek and conjures visions of futuristic looking things and technology. Today for review I have the AeroCool Xfire CPU cooler, and it truly does look sleek and futuristic. Looks aren't much if you don't have the performance to do with it, so read on to find out just how well the Xfire can perform...
Blackberry 8700g @ Digitaltrends.com
People in a high-demand workplace need to constantly keep updated on information. Whether it’s checking e-mail, making phone calls, or viewing stock prices, most people you encounter will all be using the same tool: the Blackberry. T-Mobile’s Blackberry 8700g is the best Blackberry to date. Its combination of sophisticated styling, excellent navigation, and high-powered applications make it a must-have for communication on the go.
Zalman VF900-Cu VGA Cooler @ hi-techreviews.com
This dual heatpipe unit comes with an adjustable speed controller has all of the features you would want in a great card cooler, things such as 100% copper construction, ease of installation and the ability to fit a wide range of video cards. So come on along as we check this copper beauty out and see what we found out as we compare it against one of HIS's IceQ coolers.
BFG’s PhysX Physics Processing Card @ Hothardware.com
Without question, one of the hottest topics throughout the industry this year has been the advent of the discrete physics processor or "PPU" (Physics Processing Unit). Developed by a new startup company called Ageia, this new physics processor gives game developers the opportunity to create entirely new game-play characteristics that were not considered possible using standard hardware. Since its original inception, both CPU and GPU vendors have come to the spotlight to showcase the ability to process physics on their respective hardware.
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| VH News: Monday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 8, 2006 @ 11:01 |
| First Looks from Taiwan - ABIT's New Identity AM2 @ Tweaktown.com
ABIT’s upcoming AM2 motherboards are pretty much complete and ready to go. ABIT will release their “Fatal1ty” AN9 32X motherboard in June and boards should be shipping at the same time. On the other hand, ABIT are still working hard on Intel Conroe based motherboards. From what we have learned so far, Intel won’t be releasing any new high-end chipsets till the end of the year and the Conroe processor will use the 975X and 965 chipset. Keep in mind Conroe processors will not work on your current 975X based motherboard due to the power requirement changes of the new CPU which claim to use 40% less power but provide 40% more performance clock for clock.
Bluetake BT400 G5 Bluetooth Headset @ Bluetomorrow.com
Bluetake Technology Co. really impressed us with its i-PHONO mini
Bluetooth stereo headphones, but the best we can say about the company's BT400 G5 Bluetooth headset is that it's comfortable to wear. In fact, the headset's flexible ear hook is designed so well, the headset barely feels like it's on the ear...
Bluetooth Headset Roundup @ Xyzcomputing.com
With so many Bluetooth headsets on the market it had been a real challenge to pick only 3 or 4, each had to be worth spending a week with to evaluate. I’ve owned some Motorola headsets in the past, such as the H700 and HS850, and was mildly impressed at most and stopped using them after about 2 weeks. So I decided it was time to leave the mobile phone manufacturer’s headsets and place a call in to Jabra and Plantronics. XYZ Computing's Joe Selim takes a look at the BT800 and JX10 from Jabra and the Voyager 510s and Discovery 640 from Plantronics.
OCZ Mini-Kart 1GB Flash Drive @ Techpowerup.com
The OCZ Rally USB Stick revolutionized performance of USB sticks. Now OCZ has released another stick called the Mini Kart which is optimized for size and ultra-portability. The stick which comes in a 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB version has a height of only 2.8 mm. Small enough to carry it around in your wallet. Considering how thin the Mini Kart is, we tested its strength using the weight of OCZ's latest PSU hooked to the end of the USB stick to see if the stick would snap.
Zalman VF900-Cu Dual Heatpipe VGA Cooler @ Bigbruin.com
Zalman continues to innovate in the field of high performance, low noise cooling. The VF-900Cu provided excellent cooling performance and was able to do so with absolutely no noise. Even at full speed, the cooler was quieter than the stock unit it replaced, and it kept the X800 GTO almost 10 degrees Celsius cooler!
Seagate NL35.2 Series, ST3500641NS 500GB Drive @ Bjorn3d.com
Seagate recently introduced the new NL35T series of SATA drives which they call 'Near Line' that takes direct aim at the workstation/entry-level server environment. A quote from Seagate states: 'The NL35T Series drives are designed for workloads that fall between enterprise workloads and desktop computer or entry-level server workloads. NL35 Series drives are not appropriate for true high duty-cycle enterprise workloads.' Hmmm! A niche market for drives or a stepping stone to the future? Please join me for a look at the Seagate ST3500641NS, 500 GB SATA Drive to ascertain if the differences this product brings to the table truly indicate this product's future is as bright as the manufacturer's literature suggests.
Logitech vs. Saitek - Joystick Comparison @ TechArray.com
Nothing beats having a joystick for games that can truly take advantage of one but with so many choices it can be difficult to find the one that best suites your needs. Today we take a look at the Extreme 3D Pro and Freedom 2.4 from Logitech along with the Cyborg Evo from Saitek. Read on to see how they compare.
Scythe KAMARIKI-2 550W Power Supply @ ThinkComputers.org
Today for review I have another product from Scythe, the Kamariki 2 power supply. In relation to other PSU's out there the Kamariki is small in size, but don't let the size fool you, it's got more than enough power for even the most power hungry systems out there. Not only does it have the power but it also seems very stable and reliable, and it looks really cool doing all this with some added cool features as well. Let's check it out...
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser Review @ CoolTechZone.com
Continuing with its laser series, Logitech has upgraded its proven diNovo Media Desktop keyboard, keypad (MediaPad) and mouse combo to a laser version. Technically, there’s nothing laser about the product, so to speak, but since Logitech has included an updated mouse, the MX1000 laser, we are assuming this is the reasoning behind the new name. And knowing that laser is the new technology in mice, it makes sense to jump at the opportunity to label anything with new technologies. After all, it’s a stupendous marketing strategy.
This Guide has some useful suggestions compared to others I've read the last couple weeks. If you're building a system or are curious what may be a good upgrade, have a read.
Or, you can stop by Virtual-Hideout's Forums and drop the question. You'll definitely get some great suggestions from the [VH] staff and contributors.
System Guide for the masses @ Techreport.com
O2 XDA Mini-S: Phone or Pocket PC? @ Short-Media.com
You might be looking at that measly 200MHz processor and thinking it's a bit slow, but using the Mini-S doesn't feel that way. There's occasional slow down when converting the screen from portrait to landscape, but nothing too drastic. In any case, this article is about what you can do with the Mini-S, not its performance stats, so let's leave the benchmarks on the bench where they belong and get some real-world experience with it. | | | | |
| VH News: Monday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 8, 2006 @ 2:48 |
| Ultra X-Infinity 500 Watt PSU @ Viperlair.com
Performance was also pretty good. It produced slightly more stable voltages than the comparison Enermax power supply, especially in regards to the CPU voltage. Though as a note the voltage data was taken using a software program so it isn't the most accurate, though for a comparison between two power supplies in the same settings it works just fine. As for noise, well there wasn't really any to speak of, though the Ultra was somewhat quieter than the Enermax.
SilverStone Zeus ST75ZF 750W @ Phoronix
If the popular 500~600W power supply units are not enough to
suit the growing needs of computer enthusiasts, SilverStone Technology has released a phenomenal 750W continuous power PSU. With providing just over the equivalent of one horsepower, the SilverStone Zeus ST75ZF features quad +12V rails, dual PCI-E 6-pin connectors (plus the option for two more), industrial grade components, and active PFC. Is SilverStone's ST75ZF the new front-runner for high-end power supplies?
AeroCool Silver Lightning 140, 120, 92 and 80mm Fans @ Hi-techreviews.com
There is no law written though that says these fans must be ugly or loud either, and that is where AeroCool has come to rescue once again with their new line-up of Silver Lightning Cooling Fans. Ranging in size from 80mm right on up to the big Daddy of them all at 140mm that fits into a 120mm opening we found these fans to not only be extremely quiet but also had the ability to deliver a great of air where it was needed.
Sytrin KuFormula VF1 Plus GPU Cooler @ Overclockersonline.com
It doesn't take much analyzing to conclude that this is an awesome
product. The KuFormula VF1 Plus not only performed extraordinarily well, but it was also easy to install, well made, quiet and aesthetically pleasing. It is unbelievable that the KuFormula VF1 Plus can perform 30 degrees Celsius colder than the Arctic Cooling Silencer 5 revision 2.
VIA EPIA MII 12000 Motherboard @ Modders-Inc.com
Are you considering building an HTPC but do not want a full size PC in your living room? Maybe the following has ran through your head... "If I could put a PC into that it would be freaking outrageous!" Well you may just be in luck, at a compact size of 6.75"(w) x 6.75"(d) x 1.5"(h) the VIA EPIA MII 12000 could just make all your custom PC dreams come true. This tiny mother board has every thing imaginable onboard, from the embedded CPU to an MPEG-2 Accelerator, the MII 12000 is a feature rich and versatile product.
A new concept to the home theater market. Very interesting idea and application from Polk Audio.
Polk Audio SurroundBar @ Topreviewshop.com
With the increasing popularity of wall-mounted plasma and LCD TVs, the market for elegantly styled and simple-to-use sound systems has also spiked. In particular, demand has risen for a system that can be mounted or placed near the TV with minimal installation effort. Some companies, such as Mirage and Boston Acoustics, have created stylish speaker packages by combining the front left, center, and front right speakers into a single enclosure. Polk Audio has gone even further by attempting to replicate the sound of an entire 5.1 audio system with the SurroundBar. | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Saturday, May 6, 2006 @ 5:16 |
| HIS X1800GTO Turbo 256MB Video Card @ 3Dgameman.com
Need to get in the game, but don't want to break the bank? Well, this video card offers great performance and features at an affordable price. The core speed on this product is 520MHz, which is 20MHz over the default X1800 GTO core speed. 256MBs of GDDR3 memory at 1000MHz is also a plus. It also comes with 12 pixel shader processors that will have no problem powering through the latest games. And let's not forget, its crossfire ready!" Watch the Video to find out more...
Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC-4000 1GB Kit
The Crucial Ballistix Tracer memory is specifically built for performance enthusiasts and case modders who want to push the performance envelope while adding flash appeal to their boxes. Ballistix Tracer memory features a black PCB, black integrated heat spreaders, and two rows of eight chasing red and green LED's atop the module, circulating at varying speeds proportional to usage. A custom designed circuit relays bus activity to the LED's, allowing them to accurately reflect usage of each memory module. In addition, eight blue ground effects LED's emit a constant glow near the pins. Time to check yourself how the performance stacks up...
Aerocool Silver Lightning fans @ Pro-Clockers
We all know that Aerocool is fast making a name for themselves in the world of cases and cooling. The success of the ExtremEngine line of cases and front panel devices have been a pretty big success for them. Being no strangers to cooling fans, Aerocool was nice enough to send over their entire line of Silver Lightning cooling fans. From sizes ranging from 80mm to 140mm, there is surely one or two to meet your needs.
Seagate 120 GB 2.5 inch Portable Hard Drive @ Futurelooks.com
Mass storage in the palm of your hand. The Seagate USB portable hard drive stores a large amount of data in this compact size. In its sleek rounded design, it is almost stylish enough wear. Now carrying your whole digital library is as easy as storing it on this one drive and taking it where you go.
ASUS Grand Opening in Singapore @ Hardwarezone.com
ASUS is expanding its global presence and has decided to make Singapore its first overseas international headquarters. Today, www.hardwarezone.com® takes a trip down to witness the official opening along with the arrival of a few luxury-class hardware.
They aren't kidding either. The ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 looks like you could drive it at first. Then a laptop that looks more like an actual notebook bag, from the ASUS S6 Leather Collection. Anything called a Lambroghini better be the fastest laptop! | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Saturday, May 6, 2006 @ 5:01 |
| Vizo USB 2.0 Lan Dock @ ThinkComputers.org
If you have a laptop and take it from home to the office then you know about port replicators. What a port replicator is, is a dock that you plug all your connections into (LAN, USB, Printer, etc.). Then you sit your laptop right on top of it with the provided connection (think iPod connector). This is great if your laptop has a port replicator port on the bottom, but what if it doesn't? Well today we are looking at a product from VIZO that does everything a port replicator does but uses a USB 2.0 connection and is half the size! This saves you the setup time of connecting everything. All you have to do is plug in 1 cable and you're ready to work!
Lian Li PC-201 (PC-V Series) @ Overclockercafe.com
The Lian Li PC-201 has an enormous appeal to a spectrum of users. System administrators will love it because of the expanse of drive combinations and roomy insides capable of handling even extended ATX mainboards. Modders will love it because of the room the drive area offers for a separate area for cooling fan, radiator and pump in a water cooling kit. Keeping all the H2O stuff separate makes for a clean look and piece of mind.
GeCube Radeon X1900XTX Graphics Card @ Tweaktown.com
As far as performance is concerned, you can’t be anything but impressed. Whether you’re in the market for more frames or just better gaming quality, this thing has it all. Even with AA/AF cranked up or using the latest HDR effects in the newer game titles, the performance and eye candy are amazing.
MSI RX1800GTO-VT2D256E (Radeon X1800 GTO 256MB) @ Hardwarezone.com
The Radeon X1800 GTO may find itself undercut by the cheaper GeForce 7600 GT now but with rumors circulating of a possible price adjustment, it could well get back into the game. So for those anticipating such a scenario, we have MSI's take on ATI's latest mid-range card.
NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT Graphics Card @ Rojakpot.com
Even though the new NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT is a mid-range card designed to replace GeForce 6600 GT, its performance was far better than expected. It actually came close to the performance of the GeForce 7800 GT, a high-end card which costs twice as much.
Cooler Master Centurion 534 Case @ Modthebox.com
The eye candy for this particular model is the brushed aluminum front bezel and emphasis on good air flow. The Centurion 534 includes a special mesh design that is located on the left and right hand sides of the front bezel which assist with cooling performance.
Genius HP-04D Headphone @ Extremeoctech.com
After testing the HP-04D Headphones from Genius we feel that for the price tag they make great all around headphones that do not skip out on quality. There are plenty of other headphones in the price range of these but for the money you would be stupid to turn these bad boys up. They do have there bugs and are a little big but we feel that for the price and the quality you can afford to look a little goofy :) We feel the Genius HP-04D are a must buy item!
Antec Performance CPU Cooler @ Bjorn3d.com
Today we're going to looking at a brand new HSF, simply called the Performance CPU Cooler, just introduced by Antec® a company well known for design and manufacture of cases, fans, and other quality cooling solutions. While well versed in cooling solutions, and even OEM production of several basic HSFs, to the best of my knowledge this is Antec's first truly 'High Performance' HSF to be marketed. Will it meet the mark necessary for success or fall short of the mark as first generation products often due.
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| VH News: Friday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Friday, May 5, 2006 @ 2:01 |
| OCZ DDR2-1000 Platinum XTC EL @ Phoronix
OCZ Technology once again has hit the market with another
innovative creation. Satisfying our benchmarking craves this afternoon is the OCZ DDR2 PC2-8000 Platinum XTC Enhanced Latency. Will these 1GHz DDR2 modules be the next step in desktop computing?
Corsair's TWIN2X1024-8500 PC2-8500 Memory @ Neoseeker.com
We've published a review of Corsair's TWIN2X1024-8500 PC2-8500 memory. These babies are rated at 266MHz (1066MHz Quad Datarate) with 5-5-5-15 2T timings and even at stock settings are nothing to sneeze at. But we pushed these babies to the limit and managed to hit 290Mhz, or the equivalent of PC2-9120 memory!
Vizo Gemini cordless optical mouse @ Pro-Clockers
Small hands, quick access or usage with a laptop or lack of space. These are all reasons why an individual would want to use a smaller mouse. In shopping around for such a mouse would lead you to a lot of chooses to pick from. Vizo was kind enough to send me the Gemini in their box of plenty.
three CrossFire Xpress 1600 Based Motherboards @ Hothardware.com
The DFI RDX200 CF-DR, Asus A8R-MVP and ECS KA1-MVP motherboards performed at near identical levels in all of the benchmarks we ran. Overall, it is impossible to declare any one CrossFire Xpress 1600 based motherboard "faster" than another. Due to the fact that AMD's Athlon 64 processors feature an on-die memory controller, and we used the exact same CPU, memory and drives build up our test systems, similar performance was to be expected.
Logitech LX7 Cordless Optical Mouse Review @ CoolTechZone.com
Considering the mainstream mindset, Logitech released its LX7 Cordless Optical mouse late last year. As the name suggests, it’s based on optical technology that defined and revolutionized mice, especially for gamers. Now that we can compare the two technologies side-by-side, is Logitech’s LX7 still a worthy contender? Read on and find out...
Thermaltake Big Water 745 @ ThinkComputers.org
Liquid Cooling, I love it! There used to be a time when liquid cooling was for the 'pros' and enthusiasts who quite a bit of money to play with, now pretty much everyone can afford the luxury of a liquid cooled computer. Thermaltake is one of those companies that knows what people want and need, they seem to be able to put together quality performance setups with quality parts and still keep the costs down so the average Joe can afford them. Today for review I have their new BigWater 745 liquid cooling system, not long ago I reviewed their Big Water SE and was impressed, let's see how the 745 compares!
SilverStone TJ08 @ Overclockersonline.com
The TJ-08 is quiet, cool, and the perfect size to play any role it
may need to take on. Whether it be a home theater system, desktop publishing powerhouse, or easy to move gaming system; the TJ-08 excels with quiet function and incredible cooling.
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 750GB SATA Hard Drive
Seagate really does have the Steve Austin of hard drives on their hands with the Barracuda 7200.10, as it really is better, stronger, faster. One thing the 6 Million Dollar Man didn't have going for him was being "bigger", which is obviously something the 7200.10 does have. At 750 GB it is the industry leader in size.
Apple iPod Nano 2GB MP3 Player @ Bigbruin.com
The Nano is the best designed MP3 player I have ever seen or used. While they made it look all slick and shiny, it has to lose some points because it's so easily scratched. I would like to see Apple come out with a more "hardened" version that is meant to take the abuse that a flashed based MP3 player should expect to take.
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| VH News: Friday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Friday, May 5, 2006 @ 1:55 |
| 2x1GB DDR Memory Roundup: Corsair, Mushkin and OCZ @ Pureoverclock.com
Games such as Battlefield 2, F.E.A.R, Quake 4, and more recently Oblivion are setting an obvious trend that will only continue. If you’re a serious gamer then you really should have 2GB of fast system memory, and if you currently have 2GB of ' value' stuff but are looking to upgrade, then the kits on test today from Corsair, Mushkin and OCZ are perfect replacements.
Thermaltake Maxtrix VX Case Review @ XYZ Computing
In the Matrix VX Thermaltake combines two segments which have been very important to their success over the past few years- aluminum cases and LAN party cases. These two go together quite well- the light weight of aluminum makes it the ideal material for a case which is going to be brought to a LAN party and the small size means aluminum's comparative strength disadvantage to steel is not a factor. At 3.8kg the Matrix VX is Thermaltake's flyweight ATX enclosure. It is slick looking, equipped with the basics, and ready for some testing.
ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 (ULi M1695 + M1697) @ Hardwarezone.com
Breaking the barrier between enthusiast and mainstream is ASRock's 939SLI32-eSATA2 motherboard. Based on the ULi M1695 and M1697 combo, you get dual x16 and a truckload of features. If you're on a budget, but want to run with the top dogs, the 939SLI32-eSATA2 will show you a trick or two.
HD DVD vs. Blu-ray @ Gideontech.com
Just when you finished replacing all your VHS tapes with DVDs, you heard that there are two new kids on the block, HD DVD and Blu-ray. They both claim that they're the successor to DVD, and that eventually they're going to replace it completely. If you've been watching this fight from the sidelines, confused by the differences between the competing standards, keep reading, and we'll explain some of the technical details behind the marketing hype.
Seasonic S12 600W Power Supply @ Pcstats.com
There are a lot of expensive power supplies on the market but unfortunately most are expensive due to gimmicks like flashy LED fans, see through PSU containers and detachable cables. What you should look for instead is for a power supply that has passed industry certification (like nVIDIA's SLI certified PSUs) and do your homework by posting in computer forums asking the more experienced users what they think of certain models. This way you can get yourself a truly reliable power supply, not some pretty piece of junk.
Asetek VapoChill Micro HSF @ Tweaktown.com
When all is said and done, it appears that the folks at asetek have done their homework. While the concepts of using a refrigerant as a cooling medium have been around for some time, the required condenser and airtight components to go along with it have made the cost terribly prohibitive. The VapoChill Micro gives us the ability to use the same methodology, but in a product that produces very reasonable results without going below ambient, thus taking away the need for all the big dollar accessories.
Corsair Nautilus 500 External Water Cooling System @ Tweaktown.com
Of course, this isn’t the company’s first water cooling endeavor. You might remember a full- blown water cooling solution called the Corsair COOL. This product featured several components very similar to the vaunted Swiftech water cooling series. The Nautilus takes a bit different approach than the COOL, however. According to the friendly folks at Corsair, this water cooling solution is reportedly one of the easiest and quickest to install products on the market.
ASUS P5N32-SLI Deluxe @ Hardocp.com
If you are an NVIDIA chipset fan, an "Intel guy," and a glutton for unneeded punishment, the P5N32-SLI Deluxe might be just right for you!
Enermax NoiseTaker II 600w Review @ Extremeoctech.com
The NoiseTaker II PSU from Enermax worked flawless from the get go. All of the features and specs worked the way they should have. Install was a breeze and the thing even looks cool! If you want a good SLI or gaming PSU then look no where else then the Enermax NoiseTaker II. We did find a few things we didn't like about the PSU like not all the cables being sleeved which sucked but you can sleeve them yourself or just route your cables and do basic cable management and you will be fine.
Corsair XMS2-8500 @ Bytesector
Since my last memory review, Corsair has been busy designing and building the fastest memory on earth. With a previous top memory speed of 1GHz, Corsair saw a need to improve that just slightly to 1066MHz or 1.066GHz. What is 66MHz going to do for you though? In all honesty, not much, but Corsair's theory is that if the memory runs at the same speed at the processor FSB, then surely performance will be optimal. Right?
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| VH News: Wednesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 @ 9:19 |
| SunbeamTech Nuuo 550w PSU @ Ocia.net
The Nuuo 550 was introduced last fall. It was the first modular PSU to be certified by nVidia for use with SLI. With the mad rush by all PSU manufacturers to get out new models of power supplies suitable for use with the power hungry NF4 Ultra SLI chipset and multiple video cards, many buyers may have overlooked Sunbeam's offering. Now that things have settled down some, and SLI is reality, with modular construction and it's very attractive price, the Nuuo 550 should stand out as a serious consideration.
Ultra X2 550W PSU - Titanium @ hi-techreviews.com
One of the first modular power supplies to be released was the original Ultra X-Connect, this supply went on to be a record setter for Ultra Products. Never being a company to sit on their laurels they immediately started work on the next X-series power supply. Their newest version is named the X2, so come on along as we put it through a few stress tests to see how well it handles the pressure.
Asetek WaterChill Xternal Water Cooling @ 3dgameman.com
There are many external water cooling kits on the market, but few are as hardcore as the Asetek WaterChill Xternal. This kit has everything needed for a complete water cooling solution. It comes with three waterblocks; one for the CPU, GPU, and Chipset. All have an acrylic top with a thick smooth solid copper base. The main unit houses a great pump, viewable reservoir, large radiator, and four 120mm fans. One very unique feature with this system is that it can be connected to your computer's USB and controlled with custom software. It even comes with an LCD. As external water cooling kits go, this product is king of the hill! Watch the Video to find out more...
S3 Chrome S27 PCI Express Videocard
If you want to take advantage of Microsoft Vista's fancy Aero Glass visual interface (and by all accounts you really do) the computer must have videocard hardware capable of at least DirectX 9 with a minimum of 64MB on board memory. And wouldn't you know it, the new S3 Chrome S27 videocard fits the bill perfectly with a very affordable price too. Funny that. The S3 Chrome S27 PCI Express videocard specs look quite appealing on paper, it has everything a decent graphics accelerator boasts these days; a 90nm manufactured silicon core, eight pixel rendering pipeline, 128MB GDDR3 memory and dual monitor outputs.
USB Flash Drive Roundup @ Hardwaresecrets.com
USB flash memory drives are now part of our lives. Smaller and with a capacity higher than floppy disks, these devices are the perfect replacement for the old floppies. This time we brought five new models from Geil (David 100), Kingmax (Super Stick), Kingston (DataTraveller Elite and DataTraveller U3 Smart) and OCZ (Rally) and added them to our previous roundup, so we are comparing nine different USB flash drives. Who is the winner?
Enermax Laureate Hard Drive Enclosure @ Xsreviews.co.uk
As computer software becomes more complex and more refined, the file size tends to increase. So as computer users we have to move to bigger hard drives and multiple hard drives. Since some cases can only support a few hard drives this can present a slight problem for those that need a bit of extra space. However, to make it possible to have that bit of extra space you can opt for an external drive. Again though, this presents problems. How do you protect that ever so important HD? Well there are many companies that offer external HD enclosures, but none perhaps as established as Enermax, the kings of the PSU. How will their experience port over to a different type of hardware? Lets find out.
Plantronics Pulsar 590A Bluetooth Headset Review @ Legit Reviews
Using the Plantronics Pulsar 590A to listen to music in the office, computer lab, or while traveling is sweet since Plantronics has given the user everything they need to connect and communicate with any device out there. The Universal Adapter is worth its weight in gold. Being small and rechargeable the Adapter goes wherever you need it to go to interface with whatever device you need...
Sapphire X1800XT Performance Edition @ at Modders-Inc.com
Sapphire burst into the high end graphics arena with both barrels blazing with their X1800XT "Performance Edition". This card delivers 512mb of GDDR3 Memory running at 1.5Ghz, and the powerful R520 core clocked at 700Mhz. This 2 slot high end PCI-E graphics card utilizes Shader Model3.0, HDR, and adaptive AA, allowing you to have unparalleled Image Quality along side High Performance. If that wasn't enough Sapphire includes a great bundle, "Avivo" Technology, and support for digital and analog displays, including HDTV.
XGene Imperial 2.4G Wireless Keyboard+Trackball @ FastLaneHW.com
There are many reasons to invest in a wireless keyboard. Some people like to place the keyboard out of sight when it's not in use. The same could be said for their mouse. For other folks, just having wires laying on their desktop looks too messy. Gamers on the other hand usually go for the wired devices unless wireless mice and keyboards are very responsive - any lag can spell death in a first person shooter game like Doom III. Can a wireless keyboard and trackball combo meet the needs of all these people? We are going to find out by reviewing the XGene Imperial 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboard +Trackball device.
BlueGears B-Cool Fan @ ThinkComputers.org
Cooling, every computer needs it, so why not do it in style? Cooling for your computer comes in many different shapes, colors and sizes. Today I am taking a look at a cool little product from Blue Gears; it is the B-Cool 80mm fan. What makes this fan unique is that it has a built in temperature display that shows the temp of the incoming air on while the fan is spinning, the LED display is actually parts of the spinning blades of the fan. This is a cool little product that will really add some style to your computer. Let's get a better look at it...
S3's MultiChrome dual-GPU technology @ Techreport.com
S3 GRAPHICS HAS BEEN making a slow, sustained push for respectability since the arrival of its first Chrome-series graphics processors in 2003. That push continued with the introduction of the updated Chrome S27 GPU last fall, and at that time, S3 hinted at a new wrinkle in its plans. Like ATI and NVIDIA, S3 would be introducing a multi-card graphics capability, dubbed MultiChrome. We got a brief preview of MultiChrome in action back in November, but S3 has been quietly preparing the tech for prime time since then.
Cooler Master Ammo Case @ A True Review
I was kind of worried when I set out to review another computer case. I figured Cooler Master's Ammo case was just another bland case with a good looking skin. What I got was an exceptional case. The tool-less design is very solid and flexible. It makes installing devices very easy. While lighting effects are a minimal, more can be added to mod this case. The buttons and handle on the top of the case, just top it off. About the only complaint I could come up with was no rear or top fan.
Silverstone EB01 Premium Digital To Analog Converter @ Extrememhz.com
Silverstone quickly hit the spotlight with their high-end cases that in some cases, are unmatched in terms of overall quality. This was certainly apparent when visiting their super impressive booth at this year's CES with Tom. They haven't been around for long, but they are already venturing into other PC related products, including audio. The product I'll be looking at today is their first audio product that was featured at CES and is targeted at those looking to build a quality home theater system. The EB01 is an elegantly designed USB digital to analog converter capable of providing quality stereo sound. | | | | |
| VH Forum Happenings
Posted by Diceman on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 @ 2:03 |
| I'd first like to thank everyone that's helping in making the Forum Community the fast grower that it is. The growth in the last few months has been great, but as always, more is needed. I know there are alot of you out there that just don't bother with getting involved, and I understand that. However at least give it a visit and poke it with a stick, you may find something of interest in there.
As for what IS going on in there, let me see what I can cook up. First up we have the winner in the previous tech station giveaway writing about modding the prize where he completely redid the configuration on it. Very nice indeed. Next up we have some lian li custom CNC machining for a new button bezel. Maybe you want to give your thoughts on the best gaming headphones socket 939 or AM2? Of course you can do all that, but don't forget to enter in the Tech Station Giveaway while you're at it. That just wouldn't be right. Maybe gaming is your gig, how about telling us your favorite games of all time or your most anticipated games of 2006. We've even got a movie hideout. Bottom line, get your hump in there and let us know who you are! | | | | |
| VH News: Tuesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 @ 11:25 |
| Maxtop CSX-CM03B Mid Tower Case @ Bigbruin.com
Since the Maxtop CSX-CM03B Mid Tower Case does not have anything that screams for attention, it would be a good option if you wanted it for a home office, family room, or possibly to serve as a home theater computer (HTPC). It could sit in a corner, and you would barely notice that it is there.
ThermalTake Volcano 4005 @ Bytesector
ThermalTake is known for producing exceptional coolers for processors and cases with thermal efficiency in mind. Back in the days of the AMD AthlonXP, they had a series of coolers labeled under the Volcano name. At the time, my favorite was the Volcano 11 Xaser Edition. This year, ThermalTake has brought the Volcano name back, this time on a waterblock. The Volcano 4005 is a standard ThermalTake waterblock with a radiator attached. Can this cooler actually be an effective cooling solution?
Asus Extreme Radeon X1900 XTX Video Card @ Viperlair.com
There's pretty much nothing to complain about here in regards to the image quality while gaming. HDR is especially impressive in Oblivion, though it's not really my game of choice. Battlefield 2, my game of choice, looks fantastic at 16x12, everything on at 6xAA and it runs smooth as butter. Considering how much the card costs, this is something we expect.
A-Data Vitesta DDR2-800 Memory @ Techpowerup.com
AData is well-known in the overclocking scene as a high-quality memory brand which offers good overclocking on all their memory modules. We have their Vitesta DDR2-800 kit on the testbench and were impressed that it could be overclocked to DDR2-900 without any problems. Even though the default timings of 5-5-5-15 are a bit slow, they can be tightened down to 3-2-2-4 when running lower clocks. Another plus is that this memory will work great even at stock voltage of 1.8V.
Leadtek WinFast PX7600 GT TDH Extreme 256MB @ Hardwarezone.com
Just when we thought the GeForce 7600 GT couldn't get any faster than the XpertVision GeForce 7600GT Sonic, here comes Leadtek to crash the party with its own Extreme version that tops everything we have seen in our labs so far. Here then is the very speedy Leadtek WinFast PX7600 GT TDH Extreme 256MB.
ECS KA1-MVP Extreme Xpress 1600 Motherboard @ Pcstats.com
The ECS KA1-MVP Extreme is one of the new breeds of ATi CrossFire Xpress 1600 motherboards. The board supports Socket 939 Athlon64/X2/FX processors as well as up to 4GB of PC3200 system memory thanks to the four dual channel DDR-RAM slots. Other standard features include two network cards (one Gigabit, one 10/100), an additional Silicon Image SiI3132 Serial ATA II/RAID controller, IEEE 1394a and 7.1 channel audio.
Kingwin Supernova HTPC Case @ Overclockercafe.com
The smaller than normally seen size ended up being a double edged sword. While being compact made the unit more manageable in a component rack, it also limits you to a MicroATX mainboard. Space was at a premium inside with a full system installed but things never felt 'packed in'. My dislike of the horizontally mounted PSU was actually negated to some degree after installation showed things to be roomer than I expected.
MSI K8N Diamond Plus Motherboard @ Tweaktown.com
The K8N Diamond Plus motherboard uses the nForce 4 SLI x16 chipset, the newest beast from nVidia. This chipset gives you a total of 32 PCI Express lanes for graphics cards alone; this means you get full speed PCI Express x16 slots. MSI uses a small interconnected heatpipe and fan design to keep the two chipsets as cool as possible - and this is especially great news for end-users who like to build quiet computers. That’s right - nForce 4 SLI x16 is a two chip solutions. nVidia worked this by placing the extra 16 lanes on the Southbridge chipset and uses a 1600Mhz Hyper Transport link to connect the Northbridge to the Southbridge.
Globalsat Wireless Bluetooth Entertainment Pack @ ThinkComputers.org
Bluetooth! Bluetooth! Bluetooth! That's all we have been hearing about lately! It is no surprise that manufacturers are making Bluetooth products for the most popular MP3 player of all time, the iPod. Bluetooth offers easy wireless connectivity to almost any device out there. Today we will be looking at 2 Bluetooth products from Globalsat that are made specifically for the iPod, the BTH-820 and the BTA-809.
The Creative X-FI Scandal @ Ngohq.com
Back in the summer of 05’, Creative announced about a new revolutionary X-Fi audio processor that was supposed to change how our games sound. They said it would be a very powerful audio processor with a 51 million transistor chip. They also introduced many new features and claimed that it would be a breakthrough in multimedia audio...
Today after many months, we did a little research to find out what has happened since then. We found out that only a few manufacturers have released BIOS updates to solve some of these issues. Creative has made a mysterious firmware upgrade that cannot be found on their website, and some users claimed it killed their card. According to users in their forums, most of the effected consumers are STILL having issues with the X-Fi series. Just look at how many results you get when you search for “X-Fi issues” in google.
A bit of the reasons I have yet to buy the X-Fi. Not so much the scandal, but the unsureness of whether or not I would get the luck of the draw as some other DFI users. Your system might rock with it on the other hand.
For our Linux readers keeping tabs on released Linux port games. Can't leave you guys out of the loop.
X2 - The Threat GPU Showdown Using Linux @ Phoronix.com
Announced last week by Linux Game Publishing was word that Egosoft's X2 The Threat had finally went gold with its Linux port. While the retail title will not be made available until some time around May 19 of this year, Linux Game Publishing has released a demo of this X2 The Threat title. For many, this will be the first time seeing this game in action under Linux, while LGP's Beta testing community has had in their hands the various Beta releases since the very end of last year. The closed testing community had encountered nine Beta releases before it finally went gold.
We've seen MSI AM2 previews everywhere. This one is a Gigabyte AM2 teaser, so something different.
Preview - Gigabyte's AM2 Boards (NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI & 570 SLI) @ Hardwarezone.com
In our previous Socket AM2 motherboard preview, we made a few mentions on the gist behind AMD's upcoming Socket AM2 processors. To recap that, you can expect the AM2 processor to have 940 pins, but it is not pin-compatible to existing 940-pin sockets used by the Opterons and any other current AMD processors on any other socket formats.
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| VH News: Monday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 1, 2006 @ 10:07 |
| ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 ULi M1695 Motherboard @ Pcstats.com
The brand spanking new ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 motherboard is one of the future friendly motherboards, and it looks pretty sweet. Based around the ULi M1695 Northbridge and ULi M1697 Southbridge, the ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 motherboard supports all current Socket 939 AMD Athlon64/X2/FX processors. The four DDR DIMM slots can accommodate up to 4GB of PC3200 unbuffered non ECC memory.
Deck - The Legend Backlit Keyboard @ Pcapex.com
Engineered for my pleasure, eh? I like the sound of that. :) Deck's product offerings include 21 key numeric keypads, 82 key keyboards, 82 key keyboard casings, special keycaps and the 105 key keyboard, called The Legend, I am reviewing today. Each of their keyboards/keypads are available in 4 different colors; Gold (yellow), Fire (red), Ice (blue) and Toxic (green).
DFI LANParty UT CFX3200-DR @ Tweaktown.com
While there isn’t much variation in scores at the benchmark level, we would recommend DFI and the LANParty UT CFX3200-DR to users who want to mod their case and show off a very flashy board, especially under U.V lights. This motherboard not only performs well and contains plenty of onboard features to keep you happy; it also looks good at the same time.
Patriot Memory 2GB PC4000 ELK @ Overclockersonline.com
Another review draws to an end and Patriot Memory has churned up a kit that matches the performance of the big leaguers while keeping its price at a very affordable range. Sticking to the stock timings, we were able to push the kit up to 260 MHz which is respectable for the Samsung UCCC but nothing spectacular for those making the jump from 1GB to 2GB. At 200 MHz, we dipped down to 2.5-3-3-5 which is about average for any given kit and one hardly used by any reader here.
HIS Radeon X700 AGP @ Hardwaresecrets.com
With VGA manufacturers releasing only PCI Express-based video cards, owners of AGP-based PCs were simply forgotten. Even though you can find quite easily AGP VGAs on the market, AGP users cannot find the latest releases for the AGP platform. And there are a huge crowd out there willing to upgrade their VGA to newer models without having to replace the whole computer. Thinking about this crowd, HIS released an AGP-based Radeon X700, which should satisfy owners of AGP-based PCs that are anxious to see new VGA models being released for this platform. Let's see how the performance of this Radeon X700 AGP from HIS is.
Turtle Beach Montego DDL Sound Card @ Extremeoctech.com
After putting the Montego DDL card through the tests we believe that this card is a triple threat when it comes to gaming, movies & music. We did have a small problem with the bass while listening to music but it made up for it in gaming and the movies test. We believe that everyone should give the Turtle Beach Montego DDL sound card a good look over before just jumping onboard the Creative Train. You might just think twice once you heard the Montego DDL Card.
Antec Take 4 (4U Rackmount Enclosure) @ Bjorn3d.com
As is my practice, prior to receiving any item for review I do as much preliminary research as is feasibly possible into both the forthcoming products features and the market that the manufacturer is hoping to gain credibility in. Antec®, as it turns out, is targeting the home media lab, the home music studio, and both the home and small business server markets. These thoughts alone were certainly stimulating and rekindled my idea of a home system of this type from days gone by. When this enclosure first arrived and I was able to view it first hand I felt with a minimum degree of certainty that this just might be the product that I had been searching for. My initial thoughts were that Antec had arrived at a pleasant compromise between the utility of the previously mentioned server environment with a design that could be used effectively by the Computer Enthusiast.
Corsair's Nautilus 500 @ Neoseeker.com
Watercooling kits of this type are intended to ease users in the transition from air coolers to watercooling with the idea being for users to move towards a much higher performing cooling solution. A common problem with some of these water kits is that they can fail to really achieve either goal at all, sometimes offering worse performance than even good air coolers. The Nautilus, thankfully, isn't one of those offerings. It beats out the G-Power, one of the best air coolers that we use, and it doesn't sacrifice simplicity in its search for high performance.
OCZ EL PC-3200 Platinum XTC Edition 2GB @ ThinkComputers.org
OCZ, you know the name, you know what it means. To me, having two sticks of OCZ ram in my hand means I have some the best ram available today. It not only gives me bragging rights, it also gives me that edge over my competition and adds to the performance of my computer. Today for review I have a 2 gig kit of OCZ EL PC-3200 Platinum XTC Edition ram, I'm going to throw it up against some other low latency 2gig kits that I have on hand and see just what makes OCZ one of the best
Logitech MX610 Laser Mouse Review @ CoolTechZone.com
Logitech has made quite a splash in the peripherals industry with its previously launched G5 and G7 laser mice. As the name suggests, the company took the otherwise proven and refined optical technology, and replaced it with a brand new innovation, which improves the overall experience. Initially, there were surface tracking problems across the board with laser mice (we covered the story in detail with replies from Logitech, Razor and a number of mousepad manufacturers), but they appeared to have been resolved over time.
Scythe Kamariki-2 550W @ Bytesector
When I was told I was reviewing a Scythe product, I immediately assumed it would some sort of CPU cooler. Why? Well, if you read around the web, you\'ll find that Scythe has produced some of the best CPU coolers around; they happen to have over 30 coolers to their name. Then I was told it was a PSU, and while they haven\'t produced a whole lot of power supplies, I am eager to test out the Kamariki-2 based solely off their reputation for quality, which they have built in the cooling market. The Kamariki-2 looks good on paper, as it provides some nifty extra features, good supply of molex connectors and is easy on the eyes.
ECS Elitegroup C19-A SLI Pentium 4 Motherboard @ Bigbruin.com
The ECS Elitegroup C19-A SLI offers solid features for anyone looking to build a gaming system around an Intel processor... With Intel gaining ground in the gaming market with its dual core CPUs, coupling that processing power with the graphical processing power of an SLI setup makes boards like the C19-A SLI quite appealing.
Corsair Nautilus 500 Watercooling System @ XYZ Computing
With summer right around the bend, it is a smart time to be thinking about improved cooling for your computer. The heat of the summer can turn a system which runs on the warm side into a serious problem. This is especially true in a home which is not kept cool and for computer systems which are tucked away, such as behind or under a desk. Seem easier said than done? Watercooling may be just the thing for you. While there is no question about the performance of watercooling, many people have been hesitant to do it because of the costs involved and the complexity of the installation. Corsair has done their best to design a system which is affordable and easy to install. This is not the first external watercooling solution with these intentions, but this may be the product which helps open up watercooling to a lot more people. | | | | |
| VH News: Wednesday Edition
Posted by Diceman on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 @ 5:18 |
| Cooler Master iGreen Power 500W Power Supply Unit Review and Give Away @ Bigbruin.com
Cooler Master has proven once again they can make a quality product. Each of the rails was stable, and did not fluctuate much at all during testing. In addition to the solid power readings, the high efficiency and active PFC are two very desirable features which help to make this power supply a top rated component.
Enermax Liberty 500W Power Supply Review @ HardwareLogic
Enermax launched themselves firmly back into the enthusiast power supply market with the Liberty series power supplies and did an incredible job of designing a totally new power supply that included everything users wanted and even threw in a little extra innovation as icing on the cake. I am left with nothing but positive feelings about the Liberty 500W and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to build a new system with any of today's computer hardware components.
Sin Episodes Progressive Report – Part 1: Emergence @ ThinkGaming.org
“The Steam distribution system has introduced some fantastic games since its introduction, including the very well-received Darwinia last year. Most recently, Ritual Entertainment has started releasing a series of first-person shooter episodes titled Sin Episodes. There are 9 episodes in total following an in-depth story of a security force commander John Blade. The game uses the Half-Life 2 engine on the back end but has been tweaked by the experts at Ritual to be an even better graphical system and add their own unique interactive environments. The first episode, Emergence, was released on May 9th and has provided some incredibly enticing gameplay so far. Instead of providing an entire Sin Episodes review (that wouldn’t be finished until quite some time anyway), I’ve decided to provide you a progressive report on each episode as it comes out.”
HIS Radeon X1300 Pro Review @ Hardware Secrets
"Radeon X1300 Pro is the top graphics chip inside the latest low-end graphics chip family from ATI. We’ve got a 256 MB sample for this model from HIS and in this review we will be comparing its performance to other low-end graphic chips, especially Radeon X300 and GeForce 6200, and also with some mid-range chips (GeForce 6600 and GeForce 6600 GT) to see how is the performance of this HIS video card."
ATP Petito 512MB USB Flash Drive @ ThinkComputers.org
“Looking for a tiny little USB drive to carry your 'stuff' around with you? Are you one of those people that like stylish looking things as well? Well today for review I have a tiny USB drive that sort of looks like a pendant for a necklace, it could actually be used for one as it is so small. It is cool looking and very functional, it is also water proof, shock proof, dust proof and ESD proof! Curious? Well it is the ATP Petitio USB 2.0 Flash Drive.”
DLP TV Buyer's Guide @ The TechZone
What makes DLP television technology so unique is that it uses a small digital micromirror device, or DMD, to tilt over 1.3 million tiny mirrors, each smaller than the width of a human hair. Each of these tiny mirrors is tilted either toward or away from the source of the light, thus producing the light and dark pixels that make up the display. DLP televisions are rear projection TVs, but they are not as large, as heavy or as bulky as the traditional rear projection televisions of years past.
Inno3D GeForce 7300GT Review @ NGOHQ
"Back on the 15th of May, NVIDIA shipped 7300GT GPUs to the Asian Pacific region only. However, this time they managed to surprise us. The 7300GT is not based on G72 architecture like its brother, the 7300GS. The 7300GT is based on G73, like the 7600 series, but with eight pipelines. A Few weeks later, many manufacturers launched their products and showed some amazing reference benchmarks of the 7300GT. These made us sit up and take notice. Like other G73/G72/G71 members, it is based on the 90 nanometer process. The original 7300GT design also included DDR2 memory, with the core clocked at 350MHz. However, a few manufacturers replaced it with GDDR3 memory, boosting the core clock speed as well."
Scythe Quiet Drive Internal HDD Silencer @ Pro-Clockers
Just when I thought that Scythe was just about producing processor coolers and power supplies, James sends me a HDD silencer aimed at keeping those fast speeding high capacity hard drives at bay. The Quiet Drive is aimed at users that want to have extreme quiet computers, while keeping it cool. Does it work? Lets check it out.
Half-Life 2 Episode 1 Teaser #3 @ Bjorn3D
Connect3D Radeon X1900 GT @ Pureoverclock
MSI 945GT Speedster-A4R Motherboard Review @ Hexus
Buffalo Linkstation Home Server @ Bytesector
"Samsung Breathes Life Into the CRT" at XYZ Computing
Mushkin HP2-4200 (2GB - DDR2) reviewed @ hi-techreviews.com
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| VH News: Tuesday 2nd Edition
Posted by Diceman on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 @ 9:54 |
| Sunbeam Silent Storm @ techPowerUp!
Sunbeam Tech was founded in 2000. They specialize in computer accessories, and some hardware. Sunbeam is known for their case lights and cooling products, including the well known Tuniq Tower. Today we have the Sunbeam Silent Storm on the test bench. It features a clean office look and a big "Core fan" which improves air flow through your case.
Check out our take on the Silent storm review here
Thermaltake Aguila PC Case @ ThinkComputers.org
“Thermaltake is a company that always seems to be coming to with a new product, or constantly improving on their existing products. Today for review I have a new entry into the PC case/chassis category from Thermaltake, it is the Aguila. It has style and is packed full of features like tool less installation for drives and PCI cards, as well as a dual locking system. The Aguila also lets you move your power and reset around to your liking, it has great ventilation and even can be used with the BTX form factor. Did I mention it looks really cool as well?”
My review of the Aguila case will be ready soon as well
AVC Z7U7414001 Athlon64 Socket AM2 Reference Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com
"Want to know what heatsink AMD rely's on for its socket AM2 Athlon64 FX and Athlon64 X2 reference platforms? The AVC Z7U7414001 heatsink. While this cooler certainly lacks a catchy name, for an OEM heatsink it packs a big punch in a little package. The AVC Z7U7414001's thermally responsive fan enables the heatsink to automatically adjust its fan speed as ambient case temperature dictates
PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1KW Power Supply Review @ PCstats.com
"The new PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1 Kilowatt power supply is easily the baddest power supply on the market. This power supply has the ability to deliver 1kW of power continuously, and has a peak rating of 1.1kW! The PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1 Kilowatt power supply has three +12V rails with the ability to deliver 66 Amps of continuous current (70A peak)."
Vizo Luxon HDD Enclosure Review - XSReviews
"Vizo make many products that generally involve hard discs. One of their key ventures is their range of hard drive enclosures, and today I have one to review; the stylish Vizo Luxon HDD Enclosure… Lets see how it performs."
Check out our review of the Luxon here
Thermaltake TR2-430W (W0070RU) Power Supply @ Hardware Secrets
"TR2 is the entry-level power supply series from Thermatake, TR2-430W being the simplest power supply from Thermaltake. With a very aggressive pricing – less than USD 40 – TR2-430W (also known as W0070RU) is the perfect power supply for the users that want to replace their generic power supplies with a “true wattage” power supply without spending a lot of money. This model seems to have an outstanding price/benefit ratio. Let’s take a look on it."
ECS C19-A SLI @ techFEAR
“Targeted for the performance mainstream, the ECS C19-A SLI is a budget board that acts like a premium one. Let's see how it survives our Usability, Reliability and Stability evaluation.”
SilverStone ST60F 600W Modular PSU @ Bjorn3D
SilverStone has a good reputation for making high quality power supplies, and today the company's 600W modular Strider ST60F power supply is on the test bench. This is an SLI-certified PSU, so gamers will definitely want to check this one out.
Buyer's Guide to LCD TV Technology @ The TechZone
The prices of LCD televisions have come down quite a bit as well, even as the technology they use has continued to improve. These days the least expensive, small screen LCD TVs can often be purchased for a couple hundred dollars, while the largest displays sell for several thousand dollars. There are even larger LCD displays on the market, as large as 65” and even more, that may sell for $10,000 or more. If price is no object it is possible to find an LCD TV for virtually any taste.
Vantec NexStar 3 eSATA (w/USB2.0) Hard Drive Enclosure Review
Do you have an old SATA Hard Drive kicking around that you could put to work? Well, come in and check out our review of Vantec's Nexstar 3 eSATA enclosure! It offers eSATA as well as USB 2.0 functionality. It's also kinda pretty. | | | | |
| VH News: Tuesday 1st Edition
Posted by Diceman on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 @ 3:05 |
| Razer Copperhead Mouse Review @ 3DGameman
“It's easy to see why many hardcore and professional gamers choose the Razer Copperhead Mouse. One of the most important aspects about any mouse is the overall comfort and feel of it in your hand. Considering there are all kinds of different hand sizes, designing a mouse is no small feat. This mouse is designed with the average size hand in mind and would be very comfortable for most people. It's also ambidextrous, so lefties have no reason to be left out ;)! It comes with 7 programmable buttons and a scroll wheel, and all are quiet and easy to operate. To top it all off, there are three LED color choices. This product has feel, features, and finesse to boot!”
You can check out our very own Copperhead review here
Patriot PDC2G3500LLK 2 GB Dual Channel Memory Kit Review @ Hardware Secrets
" Patriot was established in 2000 as a PDP Systems spin-off – PDP Systems is one of the oldest memory manufacturers in the world and very active in the OEM business – is getting a lot of attention in the enthusiast market with the excellent cost/benefit ratio of their products. We’ve got their PDC2G3500LLK memory kit, which comes with two 216.5 MHz/DDR433 1 GB modules with 2-3-2-5 timings. The main feature of these modules is their very low latency for such a high capacity product. Let’s see how this kit performs on our tests."
Sling Media Slingbox Personal Video Broadcaster at XYZ Computing
So why would someone buy a Slingbox? Because it allows users to watch their television from anywhere which has two things- a broadband internet connection and some form of Windows. This could be a computer on the other side or the room from your television, a computer at your place of work, or your Windows Mobile cell phone while you are taking the bus to work. To put it simply, the Slingbox is able to get a television signal and transfer it to your home's network. From the network it can be sent to any local computer or sent out to remote computers through the internet.
MSI RD480 Neo2-FI 30-day Test Drive @ techFEAR
“This board is perfectly positioned for the mainstream user that wants a positive out-of-the-box experience. Those users that want to build a new system, but don't want to mess with it after that initial install will certainly find the RD480 Neo2-FI board refreshing.”
Altec Lansing AHS615 Gaming Headset @ ThinkComputers.org
“When gaming everything is important, your mouse, keyboard, and even your headset. Almost every company that makes audio headsets has a gaming line. Altec Lansing is no different they have quite a few gaming headsets. Today we will be taking a look at the AHS615 gaming headset that features SRS 3-D audio, an award winning technology that creates a spatial experience that envelopes the listener. This headset also features a different ear cup design that I have never seen in any other headset, so let's take a look...”
Aerocool PowerWatch and PowerPanel and PowerUSB (5v/12v) @ Pro-Clockers
Our friends at Aerocool were super cool to us today by sending us a nice box of goodies. Four of the items in the box all pretty much had some type to relationship with each other, so we will review these all products together. The two products that will catch the eye of most you would be the PowerWatch and the PowerPanel. The two are full solutions for digital flash readers and temp monitoring. The two other products are the 5v and 12v PowerUSB, which provide power to various electrical devices through the USB ports of the fore mentioned devices.
Hard Drive Buyer's Guide @ The TechZone
Data transfer rate is crucial to how well your computer performs for you. Apart from the connection types above, the performance of your hard drive depends on its spin rate, measured in RPM. Higher RPM generally means faster data transfer rate. The lowest spin speed that is acceptable in computing today is 5400 RPM. The common standard at present is 7200 RPM. But higher speeds are available in SCSI drives, and it is one area of computer system technology that is constantly being developed.
Lian Li PC-V800 Case Review @ OC Cafe
The repositioning of the drive racks and power supply make for a more compact design with minimal sacrifice to work room inside. The included case fans and three to four pin power adapters were nice touches that only help add that much more value to the PC-V800. Function aside for a moment, the PC-V800 is a very stylish case that will attract many buyers on that aspect alone. Add all the features and workmanship and the Lian Li PC-V800 is a winner.
SilverStone Nitrogon NT06 CPU Cooler Review @ MODTHEBOX.COM
"The NT06 can be considered a hybrid heatsink which combines the cooling properties of both aluminum and copper. The top portion consists of a series of bonded aluminum fins that are encased in a black metal fan shroud. The fan shroud has 4 pre-drilled holes in order to accommodate the FM122 cooling fan."
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| VH News: Memorial Weekend Edition
Posted by Diceman on Monday, May 29, 2006 @ 2:17 |
| Before I get to the usual news, let me first pledge my support for our nations armed forces. Memorial Day is a time of not only remembering those who gave their lives in the line of duty, supporting their country, but it's also a time to pledge support and to give prayers for all the men & women that are currently fighting for our country's freedoms.
Thanks to each and every one of you. GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS! COME HOME SAFE!
ECS C19-A Review @ OverclockersOnline
The ECS C19-A motherboard is great motherboard for those looking to build a new system without spending too much money. The performance compared to the 975X is slim, both Intel and nVidia flip flop between first place. What nVidia has accomplished with ECS and all other SLI XE motherboards is an opportunity for people to explore the potentials of a budget oriented high powered SLI machine.
A great board it certainly is. Check out my ECS C19-A SLI review for comparisons sake.
Microprocessor History, Part 3 [The Final Installment] @ BTX Form Factor Info
We are working our way through the history of microprocessors so we can understand what the latest new features are, what gives a performance boost, and what is just marketing hype. The pipeline is a fundamental feature of microprocessors and is the enabler for several other very important speed-up schemes. Let’s see how pipelines work.
Ultra Products MicroFly Case PSU Mod at Modders-Inc.com
Ultra Products introduced the MicroFly (small form factor) case just a short time ago and not too long after that a small design flaw was found. If you are using a 6 inch deep power supply, the X2 and 600W offered by Ultra, two small tabs are in the way. These issues have been correct by Ultra Products, unfortunately a few cases did get shipped out. The fix for this is super easy and takes very little time to complete and I will show you how I corrected this issue
Bluegears b-ice 120mm Fan @ ThinkComputers.org
“A few reviews ago I reviewed the b-Cool fan from Blue Gears; today I have their newest edition the b-Ice. It isn't quite as exciting as the b-Cool with the built-in LCD temperature display, but the b-ice is exciting in its own right. With it's chrome finish and LEDs that reflect off of the chrome while spinning it does make for a nice presentation and is an attention getter. Read on to learn more...”
Buffalo 4GB Flash Drive Review @ OC Cafe
The Buffalo RUF2-S 4GB unit is FAST FAST FAST. Faster by far than anything else we have or have had in the shop. Four gigs of storage will be a big draw to many with the ability to store and carry large blocks of media. Four gigs is even large enough to carry an episode of LOST. The Buffalo's size and feel was compact and balanced. The snug snap fit cap that can be secured on the opposite end during use also is a huge plus. As we said already, this cap is not one that is going to fall off after six months of use.
Zalman VF900cu vga cooler comparison @ Hardwareoverclock Austria
Hardwareoverclock Austria has posted a new review about the Zalman VF-900cu vga cooler. We have tested on a X1800XT in a comparison between VF700, AC Accelero and the boxed cooler. The most importend themes are handling, temperatures, cooling performance and low noise.
Q3 ThermoHAWK 200 Infrared Thermometer Review @ 3DGameman
“The ThermoHAWK 200 Infrared Thermometer is quite the gadget. Actually, it's more than just gadget since it's very useful. Let's face it, temperature is something all of us can relate to. No matter if you are doing research for a paper on water temperature or need to know how hot your computer memory is, this device will tell you within a second…”
HIS X1800 GTO IceQ3 Turbo 256MB VIVO PCI Express Video Card @ Bona Fide Reviews
After looking at Connect3D's X1800GTO, it's HIS' turn with their new X1800GTO Turbo. This card features HIS' brand new IceQ3 cooling solution and comes overclocked right out of the box. Being a part of HIS' Turbo line this card has received a default overclocked speed of 520MHz core with the memory speed remaining the same. Why the amount of 520MHz was chosen is unknown but it seems like a small enough jump to be a pretty safe overclock without straining the card too much. Plus with the heavy duty IceQ3 cooler, overheating the card is hardly a worry.
HEXUS.snapshots :: Foxconn Technology's 'Project Tritium' - the Foxconn C51XEM2AA
There seems to have been a lot of speculation over the name ' Tritium' and its association with NVIDIA's spanking new nForce5 core logic... Here today, HEXUS can reveal that ' Tritium ' was the working project codename for Foxconn Technology's development of NVIDIA's nForce 590 SLi reference mainboard, the Foxconn C51XEM2AA.
How well do the results of Foxconn's 'Project Tritium' fare up against NVIDIA's nForce4, ATI's RADEON XPRESS 3200 and also ATI's Sturgeon reference mainboard for AM2 processors?
Noctua NHU9 and Coolink 92mm fan competition at XSReviews
"Well here we are again, the third competition to grace the forums of XSReviews. This time however the competition is going to be a different. Instead of simply signing up the forums like normal, this time we want you to post in this thread and tell us just why you love XSR so much! The winner will be the one who comes up with the most creative answer. Good luck."
Hmm, I see a lot of familiar forum nicknames over there :)
Spire SP601B3 VertiCool II CPU Cooler Preview @ MVKTech
"Spire is no stranger when it comes to cooling solutions and definitely has the knowledge to create and supply decent cooling products. We're taking a close look at one of their new creations, the VertiCool II CPU heatpipe cooler. The Spire VertiCool II CPU cooler is specifically designed for high performance applications and is designed for both the AMD and Intel processors. It uses vertical dual heatpipes to transport heat away from the CPU. The concept of heatpipes has become quite interesting for any cooling application. Spire has adopted this technology to build a new range of high performance CPU coolers, and the VertiCool II cooler fits perfectly into that picture."
Tomb Raider Legend Review (PC & Xbox 360) @ OCModShop
What’s that? I’m sorry, you’ll have to speak up. You want me back? You’ll do anything, you say? Well, Tomb Raider, I’m a bit skeptical. You burned me bad. Plot holes, camera issues, a sad lack of tombs—I have not forgotten what you did. I am a fair man, though, and I’ll give you one more chance.
Tomb Raider has a new subtitle, a new developer, and a brand new console to play on, along wit the old favorites. Lara’s adventuring reaches new heights in acrobatic gameplay and graphics, but while generally fun, her latest outing is no Legend.
Lamptron Products @ ThinkComputers.org
“Lamptron, ever hear of them? Me neither, but they requested we review their products and they sent me a lot of them. So, sit down and relax as I show you a bunch of cool products from Lamptron. These products include some cool vibration dampening things along with some interested fan grills. If you are interested in possibly making your PC a bit quieter then you may want to keep reading, this stuff would be great for an HTPC or just your regular computer.”
1GB Verbatim Store'n'Go U3 Smart Drive @ HWzone.co.il
"There are many people that spend most of their days working in front of several computers – at home, at work, at school, basically everywhere they go. Without a laptop, these people are forced to migrate between each of the computers they work on during the day, and start wandering about in each system, wasting time. Now, imagine if you will, a world where each and every computer that you work on, has your favorite software, your desktop, your documents and even your web bookmarks will be already installed, just waiting for you to use it. Sounds nice, doesn't it? | | | | |
| VH News: Friday 2nd Edition
Posted by Diceman on Friday, May 26, 2006 @ 10:36 |
| FrozenCPU's Memorial Day Sale-A-Thon Continues...10% Off the Entire Store!
Corsair TWINX2048-3500LLPRO 2 GB Dual Channel Memory Kit Review @ Hardware Secrets
"Corsair TWINX2048-3500LLPRO memory kit uses two 1 GB CMX1024-3500LLPRO memory modules (219 MHz/DDR438, 2-3-2-6 timings) and is optimized to be used on ASUS A8N32-SLI motherboards series. CMX1024-3500LLPRO modules were the first to use CAS 2 latency, which is considered very aggressive in high-capacity modules (1 GB) with a 219 MHz clock. Let’s see how this kit goes on our review."
Sapphire Radeon X1600 PRO Evaluation @ [H]Enthusiast
Looking for a mainstream video card at an extremely affordable price? We evaluate the Sapphire Radeon X1600 PRO graphics card against the competition testing real-world gameplay with five popular game titles.
Corsair Twin2X2048-6400C4 Memory Review @ PCstats.com
"Corsair and nVIDIA have been working together to create a new memory standard dubbed EPP which stands for "Enhanced Performance Profiles". When used in a compatible motherboard, EPP helps the system automatically overclock the memory and tighten up timings to improve performance. Corsair has just released a set of its DDR2-800 memory that is perfect for Socket AM2 Athlon64 processors. Fast memory modules with low latencies, its new Twin2X2048-6400C4 memory is exactly what the doctor ordered. When running in dual channel mode, the Corsair Twin2X2048-6400C4 provides 12.8GB/s worth of memory bandwidth which happens to be exactly what the dual core Socket AM2 Athlon64 X2/FX processors need."
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| VH News: Thursday Edition
Posted by Diceman on Thursday, May 25, 2006 @ 2:54 |
| StealthSurfer II PrivacyStick @ ThinkComputers.org
“Identity theft, fraud, viruses, phishing and much more, they are all things that have become an unwanted part of our life on the internet. There are many things that you can do to protect yourself, firewalls, spam filters, anti-virus software and much more. I myself run Anti-Virus, SpyBot, and two firewalls on my computer and one built into my router all the time, and I run programs like AdAware on a regular basis to make sure I am protected from all the bad things out there roaming cyberspace these days. One problem is I have all that security but I can't take it with me, so what do I do when I need to check my email on someone else's computer or a public computer? I really don't want to leave traces on any computer but my own so what do I do? Well a few days ago I received a little gold gift box in the mail, the box contained the Stealth Surfer II USB drive, I believe it will answer my questions regarding privacy concerns and possibly yours as well, interested?”
Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 Review @ Bigbruin.com
Microsoft has come up with a great offering in the Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 Keyboard and Mouse set. With Geeks.com offering this combination at the bargain price of $56.99, anyone looking for a wireless desktop set up should give this one some serious consideration. Performance of both the mouse and keyboard were better than I had hoped for, and both maintained a strong signal no matter where in the room I used them from. The Wireless Laser 6000 mouse has also put to rest all of my apprehension over wireless mice in fast paced FPS video games.
Corsair PC2-6400C3 Meets AMD's AM2 Processors @ Legit Reviews
"It is obvious from our testing that the memory controller on AMD's AM2 processors is critical in system performance when it comes to a number of applications. For this article we were trying to get the highest gaming scores and our efforts proved to be very successful. Starting out with PC2-5400 memory running CL4 timings our base score was 134.0 fps. After moving up to PC2-6400 memory with CL3 timings and increasing our memory capacity from 2GB to 4GB the score increased to 159.1 fps -- a 25.1 fps increase or 18.7%."
Corsair Nautilus 500 @ VelocityReviews.com
"Water cooling has come quite far. But it hasn't been a general consumer sort of thing till now. The Corsair Nautilus 500 is just what you need."
Does the OEM AMD Dual Core Processor Cooler Really Need Upgrading? @ Tweaknews.net
"I think the results of the testing really speak for themselves. AMD has gone the extra mile to provide the consumer with a quality HSF that is compact, quiet and cools damn well. It's refreshing to find a bundled cooler that can stand up to some modest overclocking, and do it pretty quietly."
Buyer's Guide to Plasma TV Technology @ The TechZone
Altec Lansing inMotion 9 (IM9) Portable Audio System for iPod @ Bona Fide Reviews
eBook Readers Ready for Consumers? at XYZ Computing
Antec P160w Case Review @ Extremeoctech.com | | | | |
| FrozenCPU Memorial Week 10% Off Everything Sale!
Posted by Diceman on Monday, May 22, 2006 @ 12:02 |
| Our friends over at FrozenCPU are having a huge week long 10% off Everything Sale starting 5/22 and lasting all week thru 5/30!
Get your ass over there and pick out your goods. Just remember to use this link and wait until after midnight EST to checkout! Enjoy and make sure you tell the guys over at Frozencpu where you heard about it! | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Sunday, May 21, 2006 @ 3:06 |
| XTracPads Hybrid @ techFEAR
The XTracPads Hybrid uniquely combines cloth and plastic into a flexible mouse pad that is durable and easy to transport. Sized perfectly for wide screen users, this mouse pad may be the best of both worlds.
Razer's Copperhead & Krait Gaming Mice Review @ Short-Media
If you have the money, a Krait paired with a Copperhead would make a great team - use the Krait for everything except for FPS gaming, and then bust out the ol' Copperhead when you want to impress your friends at a LAN party or really take your 1337 sniper skillz to the next level.
ASUS PhysX P1 GRAW Edition 128MB (PCI) @ Hardwarezone.com
Ageia shows off the world's first processor dedicated to physics calculations with the launch of its PhysX card. ASUS, as one of its board partners, naturally has a retail version available. Read our impressions about this new technology and our thoughts on whether it will herald a new era in gaming physics.
S3 Graphics Chrome S27 including MultiChrome @ Hexus.net
Concluding on the current state of S3 Graphics Chrome S27 is pretty easy. There are better products out there for the same or less money from ATI and NVIDIA. And while it's not nice to say so, since another executing competitor in the mid-range and low-end consumer space would be brilliant, it's the current reality.
nPowertek TTIC NPH K8-1 Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com
The Thermal Transtech International Corp. NPH K8-1 Socket 939 heatsink looks deceptively simple at first glance; but at the heart of this socket 754/939/940 Athlon64 heatsink is a huge copper cylinder. The large copper column supporting its many copper fins is not technically a heatpipe as we know it, it's what TTIC call a "heat column." This column, 25mm in diameter and made from a hollow copper cylinder which is vacuum sealed, has a chemical coating on the inside that works to the same effect as a wick in a traditional heatpipe...
Asus EAX1600XT Silent/TVD/256M/A Videocard
My personal favorite are 100% silent videocards. Devices like the Asus EAX1600XT Silent/TVD/256M/A videocard won't eat up the 8GB/s worth of bandwidth the PCI Express x16 bus has to offer, but this passively cooled graphics card strikes a good balance between price and 3D rendering power. The Asus EAX1600XT Silent/TVD/256M/A is supported with 256MB of GDDR3 Infineon memory, and the software package that comes with the Asus EAX1600XT Silent/TVD/256M/A is strong.
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser @
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser truly is a revolutionary
Bluetooth desktop combination. It is the perfect compliment to your modern PC. Unlike most keyboards, which can only send information to your PC, the MX 5000 Cordless Keyboard also has the ability to receive and display information sent from your PC. The stylish keyboard offers an LCD panel, capable of displaying the time and date, room temperature, song titles for music files, and various
other displays.
Sennheiser BW900 Bluetooth Headset @ DailyCE.com
The company was working on the BW900 for the past three years and hopes to beat its competition with a number of features and improved quality for business users - the target market for this headset.
FRONTX CPX Modular Bay System @ PCapex.com
Simple really. All you need is a free 5.25” bay and a free PCI slot (if you use their external cables). Something like this would suit LAN goers or anyone that requires connectivity without wanting to fiddle around at the rear of their case. Examples of this would be the user who wants to use a joystick or controller pad on their media PC in the lounge from time to time, or the gamer with a case that doesn’t have front 5.1 audio ports for their fancy headphones. | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 1st Edition
Posted by Diceman on Saturday, May 20, 2006 @ 3:07 |
| So who's gonna be the new owner of this $2000 beast?!?!
The Cooler Express SLI Triple Evaporator Cooling Unit can cool your rig's CPU and its SLI or Crossfire dual video card setup. If you wish for the ultimate overclocking potential, this system is for you. No other cooling system on the market allows you to run your 3 processors at higher speeds. Combine this unit with a top-end water cooling kit for your chipset and hard drives and you'll be able to run your computer far faster than it was ever intended.
This unit is designed for advanced users and installation of it should not be attempted by novices. The unit will keep your computer's processors at temperatures well below freezing so it needs to be installed carefully to avoid condensation that could short-circuit your computer. This extreme cooling system is designed for record breaking, it is not intended as a general purpose computer cooling system. | | | | |
| VH News: Friday 3rd Edition
Posted by Diceman on Friday, May 19, 2006 @ 4:34 |
| Leecho's Creature Case Project Part 2 @ MODTHEBOX.COM
copyright modthebox
"In the beginning I was planning to hinge the panels from the top and have them open like gull-wing doors on an expensive sports car. This would also require lots of open space on the desk to complete the upward swing. I had thought of using pistons, but could not find ones small enough, but at the same time strong. The panels stay in a closed position via magnetic strips, vinyl tape-like with adhesive backing."
Super Talent 2GB MEGA Screen MP3/FM/Recorder Player Review @ Bigbruin.com
Super Talent has come up with a great little device that does much more than just play MP3s. Even though the voice recording feature was of questionable quality, it did work well enough to be useful. The FM radio worked well as did the photo album function... One aspect of the Super Talent MEGA Screen Player can be seen as both a positive and a negative, depending on who you ask. The device does not support DRM, so you can not use subscription based music or otherwise protected files from places such as iTunes and Napster.
Thermaltake Armor Jr @ Bjorn3D
Remember Thermaltake Armor review? Forget that for the time being -- it's heavy, big and you don't necessarily like it because of it. The case I have with me is something that might be of interest: lightweight, aluminum, same Armor design sporting most of its features. Should I continue? Well, read on...
MSI K8N Diamond Plus nForce 4 SLI x16 @ Viper Lair
"MSI have a great board on their hands with the K8N Diamond Plus. There is a plethora of features and peripherals included onboard, and coupled with the extensive extras included, you should be very happy with the package overall. This of course comes hand in hand with a high price, but our thoughts are that is is a fair one."
DFI RS482 Infinity Motherboard Review @ HardwareLogic
"Well, there is no doubt left in my mind that DFI has definately done a great job and thought things through in creating the RS482 Infinity. With features like onboard DVI-D, TV and HDTV output, full 8 channel analog and digital audio inputs and outputs, PCI-Express graphics, four DIMM slots, and completely passive cooling, this board is obviously meant to satisfy the enthusiast media folks; and I think it definately succeeds. The DFI RS482 Infinity also comes with a nice little bundle to take advantage of all the video outputs and an instruction manual big enough to house an explanation of every setting, jumper, header, and BIOS setting available."
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| VH News: Friday 2nd Edition
Posted by Diceman on Friday, May 19, 2006 @ 6:01 |
| Zalman VF700-Cu LED Ultra Quiet VGA Cooler Review @ Tweaknews.net
"The VF700-Cu LED from Zalman has performed very well for me this past week and I can highly recommend it. With great looks and excellent performance, this cooler would be an asset to most any compatible graphics board out there. Installation was a snap thanks to Zalman’s online installation guides and compatibility charts, and the noise-to-cooling ratio is very good."
Magellan RoadMate 760 GPS Review @ The TechZone
The RoadMate 760 features turn-by-turn guidance with SayWhere text-to-speech technology that tells you the upcoming street name as well as distance to the turn. Also TrueView 3D visually indicates your next turn so you can confirm the direction at a glance. If you're stuck in a freeway traffic jam for more than couple of minutes, SmartDetour will automatically calculate a detour and ask you if you’d like to route around the congestion. You can turn the feature on and off, or personalize the settings for the maximum distance you’d like to detour. You may also choose to Detour anytime by touching the enter button while you are in an active route, even on city streets and backroads, to route around road work, closed roads, flooded streets or stopped traffic. | | | | |
| VH News: Thursday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Friday, May 19, 2006 @ 12:01 |
| Thermaltake ToughPower 550W Power Supply @ 3Dgameman.com
The Thermaltake ToughPower 550W Power Supply offers enough power for most computer systems and does support NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire setups. Although, I would recommend one of their newer ToughPower higher wattage Power Supplies with Active PFC for current SLI and CrossFire setups. This is to insure system stability. This Power Supply though does have affordability in its favor and a very quiet 120mm fan. If you are on a budget be sure to check this model out.
Cooler Master Blue Ice Pro @ Hardwarezone.com
Besides glowing a cool blue when turned on, the highlight of the fan is in its silent operation. According to Cooler Master's specifications, the Blue Ice Pro should hover around 22-26dBA at 4500 RPM and in our own testing, we could hardly hear its buzz among the noise of the other components making it an ideal cooler even in silent case environments.
Preview - ASRock AM2NF4G-SATA2 (GeForce 6100 + nForce 410) @ Hardwarezone.com
ASRock is the first manufacturer to get out a Socket AM2 motherboard geared towards the entry-level community and we've another preview just for you. With the AM2NF4G-SATA2 motherboard, users can look forward to AM2 and DDR2 on the cheap, but for now you can just look.
Foxconn 975X7AA-8EKRS2H Intel 975X Motherboard @ PCstats.com
Intel's latest chipset, the 975X, looks like it's a real gem thanks to ATi CrossFire support. The latest Foxconn motherboard to pass through the PCSTATS test labs is the 975X7AA-8EKRS2H, and it is a flagship motherboard for the Intel Pentium LGA775 processor platform. The Foxconn 975X7AA-8EKRS2H motherboard is powered by the Intel 975X Northbridge and Intel ICH7R Southbridge. It supports all Socket 775 processors that run on the 533/800/1066 MHz FSB; from Intel Celeron D right through to Pentium 4/D/XE.
Zalman VF-900 Review @ Tekbunker.com
Hey what's up guys, as many of you already know I did ruin my EVGA 7800 GT, but I got it replaced with the same exact card and I went out to the store and bought a Zalman VF-900 cooler to go along with it. I have many pictures to show you the process in removing the stock 7800 GT cooler, and then installing the Zalman VF-900 cooler.
ASUS AGEIA PhysX P1 Card @ Legit Reviews
Many of the features found on the AGEIA PhysX core architecture are still a mystery to many of us. The PhysX is said to have "dozens" of fully independent cores, which makes sense if the card has 20 giga-instructions per second (20 GIPS) like AGEIA told us. To sum the architecture up we know that PhysX cards consist of a PhysX PPU with a 125 million transistor chip built on TSMC's 130nm process that is connected over a high bandwidth bus to 128MB of GDDR3 memory running at 733MHz...
Soundgraph iMON VFD @ Techpowerup.com
The Soundgraph iMON VFD is the perfect accessory to turn your normal PC into a HTPC. The set is made of a bright and responsive VFD with an integrated volume control and large infrared remote control. Soundgraph has produced a solid gadget and has thought out an ingenious installation system. The software is incredibly easy to set up and use. The remote enables total control over the PC, while the VFD displays much more than just song titles and PC information.
RaidSonic ICY BOX IB-360UE-BL Series @ MVtek
External hard drives have become a very popular growing market, the need to transfer large amounts of data between locations and PC's is more common than ever, and all of us know that we should backup important data, but so few of us do. RaidSonic has been very active on this market and has solutions in every shape and format. One of those solutions is the ICY BOX IB-360UE-BL mobile storage that comes with both a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire connection. We will checkout this elegant and stylish enclosure, in terms of features and performance it delivers.
Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard @ OCIA.net
As you can see, the board gives off a nice blue glow which is actually just the right amount of brightness. I have seen other keyboards that are way too bright and tend to get annoying after a while. The G15 fits right into the middle category: not too bright but yet, not too dim either. One interesting thing to note here. When using the keyboard in a normally lit room, it still may be useful for some to keep the backlight on. Turning the backlight off results in somewhat "blank" looking board.
DLO TransDock Micro for iPod @ ThinkComputers.org
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters is a new sponsor to us here at ThinkComputers. If you have not heard of them they make some really cool products for iPods. Today we will be taking a look at a product that allows you to play your iPod's music over any car stereo while keeping your iPod charged as well. The TransDock Micro is one of DLO's newest products and one of the most useful as well, so let's take a look...
ECS MVP PA1 Rev 2.0 Motherboard @ Futurelooks.com
Previously, we've looked at ECS's Extreme series, but only on AMD's side of the story with the KN1 and KN1 SLI. To make things a little more fair, we've now got an entry for Intel, the MVP PA1, an Extreme series motherboard featuring ATi's RD400X and SB450 chipsets. Most notably, the MVP features Radeon Xpress 200 (a.k.a. CrossFire) for serious gaming action if one chooses to take on the upgrade.
OCZ Mini-Kart Ultra Slim USB 2.0 Flash Drive Review @ Tweaknews.net
Although this USB 2.0 drive is not the quickest on the market, the other features sure make up for the shortfall. Once you have this drive in your hand you will soon realize what I am talking about. This drive is just ridiculously small and has all the features you would expect from a normal flash drive. Hell, I loved even showing people this drive. Even the computer enthusiasts I have as friends did do a double take when they saw me pull this small unit out of my pocket. The drive that is.....I mean......sigh..... | | | | |
| VH News: Wednesday 3rd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 @ 10:20 |
| Thermaltake's Eureka "Home Server" Case @ Neoseeker.com
Their latest model, the Eureka, comes along side the Tai Chi, Kandalf and Armor cases in the upper echelon of the Thermaltake case lineup. The Tai Chi is easily the largest case we've ever reviewed, weighing significantly more than its all aluminum construction may suggest. The Tai Chi does not fit design wise with any of the other cases in their lineup, and sits in its own spot as the fatted chief way above the rest of their line. The Eureka comes in narrowly above the Shark and the Armor in Thermaltake's product offerings, but significantly less than half the price of the Tai Chi.
Western Digital WD5000KS 500 GB Hard Drive Review at XYZ Computing
Western Digital was the bigger winner at CES, due to the announcement of their 150 GB Raptor and the windowed Raptor X, but they have been relatively quiet since then. This is not that bad of a thing though, WD has been doing very well, at least on the consumer level, and offers some of the most competitive drives currently available. One of these is the focus of this review, the Caviar SE16 WD5000KS 500 GB. Half-terabyte hard drives have been appearing in consumers' dream systems for a few months now, but their price level has put them out of reach to most people. Though they may have a big price tag, they are a great way to consolidate a lot of information onto a single drive or RAID1 array.
Scythe Samurai SCSM-1000 Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com
The Scythe SCSM1000 Samurai is one of those all-in-one heatsinks that tries to accommodate virtually every kind of processor formfactor out there. Generally when coolers go down this route they either succeed on a few different CPU cores, or fail miserably on every single one. It all depends on the base of the heatsink, and a couple other factors we'll get into shortly.
X-Micro MusePod @ Hardwaresecrets.com
After the iPod Video release, we knew the market would be flooded with copycats - devices that would try hard to compete with Apple's new object of desire. The problem with X-Micro's MusePod is that the trying is not that hard at all. The company has released a good enough 20 GB MP3 player/recorder/FM radio that is also a mediocre digital video player. The basic features are executed as expected but the main one doesn't deliver.
Altec Lansing XT2 Review @ Extremeoctech.com
After playing with the XT2's from Altec Lansing we have come to a final thought and that thought is FREAKIN AWESOME! You would never believe that these little speakers could put out all of this sound. I will never doubt the little speakers again. Plus on top of them being made so well and the power plug adapter and even the deluxe carrying case! This makes the XT2's the perfect laptop speaker in my book. If we would have got the optional sub woofer to go with them it would replace my desktop set I have right now!
Mushkin XP2-6400 1 GB @ Techpowerup.com
With the XP2-6400 Mushkin has released their second generation of DDR2-800 memory. The memory comes with default timings of 4-4-3-10, which is a good deal better than most of the competition. The elegant black heatspreaders add to the looks of this memory. But this memory is not only about looks. The timings can be tightened down to 3-2-2-4. Relaxing them has an even better surprise for you - we reached DDR2-1104 at CL5.
Arctic Cooling Accelero X1 VGA Cooler @ Bigbruin.com
I am impressed by the performance of the Arctic Cooling Accelero X1. It outperforms the previous model, the NV Silencer 5, by a few degrees, and cooled the card much better than the default eVGA cooler. The Accelero X1 would be a great choice to keep your graphics card as cool as possible, especially if overclocking.
HIS X1600 Pro IceQ Turbo (single and Crossfire) @ Bigbruin.com
Today I am taking a look at a card for people who don't have a lot of money to spend on their video cards but still want to be able to get decent performance in games. The card in question is the HIS X1600 Pro IceQ Turbo with 128 MB DDR3 memory. With a low price, decent performance, low noiselevel and the ability to use it in Crossfire mode without any extra Master card on paper it sounds like an excellent product.
Scythe Ninja Plus CPU Cooler @ ThinkComputers.org
Today for review I have another product from our friends at Scythe. It is another CPU cooler, this one is a big CPU cooler. It is the Ninja Plus cooler, and it not only looks cool, it performs pretty well too. If you have a window in your case it will take all the attention from the rest of your components and be the center of attention. The Ninja Plus even offers a fanless mode as well for those that would like to have a truly quiet system. Let's check it out...
Logitech Z4 2.1 Speakers @ Modders-Inc.com
With the general opinion of the Z3 speaker combo being that of "lackluster", we were interested in seeing how it's predecessor, the Z4 2.1 combo, would perform in comparison. Has Logitech improved over the short-comings of the Z3, and is the Z4 combo a worthwhile investment for gamers and music enthusiasts? Check out our review to find out.
Sennheiser PC30/PC160 @ Pro-Clockers
People purchase headsets for numerous reasons, rather it be for conferencing, gaming or listening to music. And Sennheiser has been providing all of the above just what they need, great sounding head pieces. Today, they was gracious to send us two of their current PC models, the PC30 and the PC160. I am sure one of the two will appeal to our readers. Read on.
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| VH News: Wednesday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 @ 1:52 |
| XFX 7600 GS PCIe Video Card @ Legitreviews.com
The XFX 7600 GS Extreme Edition is a solid gaming card and can play pretty much every game out today with a lot of the higher detail settings enabled. Of course doing so means that you'll need to run at medium resolutions like 1024x768 but this is on a $135 video card remember?
ABIT AN8 32X @ Nordichardware.com
Today we'll be taking a closer look at Abit's latest creation for AMD's Socket 939 platform - the Abit AN8 32X. The motherboard is based on nVidia's latest edition of nForce4 chipsets that have been maturing considerably during the last six months, and now possess a stable position on the AMD market. Just like the name alludes to, we're talking about a motherboard with two sets of 16x PCI-Express lanes for a total quantity of 32.
939SLI32-eSATA2 Motherboard @ OCinside.de
In the overclocking test it was possible to reach a stable host clock of awesome 300 MHz with the default passive cooled chipset.
This is a nice result for an ULi Chipset instead of the usual ~ 270 MHz and this test result was achieved with default chipset voltage.
By increasing the chipset voltage this result could be surely improved.
Zalman CNPS9500 LED Intel/AMD Heatpipe CPU Cooler Review @ Tweaknews.net
Zalman has done it again. Their CNPS9500 LED cooler has it all. It's got performance, easy installation and virtually universal compatibility. With flawless fit and finish, an aggressive stance and a blue LED fan, it also has great looks and would be an excellent upgrade for the stock cooler.
IOGear BOSS 120GB Home/Office Network Server Appliance @ ThinkComputers.org
When looking for additional storage for your PC there are 2 choices; internal or external. When going the external route most people opt for USB or Firewire drives. They are fairly inexpensive and very easy to setup. How about storage that you can access from any PC in your house and even from anywhere via the internet? Yes I'm talking about network storage. Today I am taking a look at a really cool device that not only serves as network storage but also acts as a router. The product I'm talking about is the IOGear BOSS 120GB Home/Office Network Server Appliance from Geeks.com, so let's take a look.
SLi/Crossfire Ready PSUs from Aerocool, Cooler Master, and Thermaltake @ Atruereview.com
Though having a good PSU has always been
important, you really never had to worry about compatibility when it comes to power supplies. Power rating aside; as long as it was ATX and had plenty of Molex connections, you were good to go. Fast forward to today where RAID SATA drive setups and dual graphic cards are the staple of a premium computer system, choosing a PSU that supplies enough juice and is equipped with the latest standards is undeniably important to insure the compatibility and potential growth of your system. Of course, when I say the latest standards I am referring to the ATX 2.0 compliancy as well as being SLi/Crossfire ready.
Motorola X205 Gaming Headset @ DailyCE.com
Motorola is entering the world of consumer electronics as fiercely as ever. In addition to launching new cell phones and complimentary products, Motorola has now released the X205 gaming headset, particularly for sports and action games where collaborating with team players is essential.
Sennheiser BW900 Bluetooth Headset @ DailyCE.com
The company was working on the BW900 for the past three years and hopes to beat its competition with a number of features and improved quality for business users - the target market for this headset.
Corsair Nautilus 500 External CPU Water Cooling Unit Review and Give Away @ Bigbruin.com
The performance of the Corsair Nautilus 500 is respectable, but can not be considered extreme. Enthusiasts generally want water cooling for either extreme cooling or low noise operation, and the Nautilus offered neither. The system instead seems to be designed for an introduction to water cooling that keeps the end user's budget in mind.
Goodluck on the kit giveaway!
HIS X1300 IceQ Turbo and Dual DVI @ Overclockersonline.com
Without a doubt, both cards performed relatively well. The IceQ is
also a card not to overlook if you need a cheap card with ample performance. H.I.S. has once again come up with another diverse family. For anyone on a tight budget, H.I.S. has you covered with a high performance budget card to the fan free model ideal for the home theatre market. | | | | |
| VH News: Wednesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 @ 1:25 |
| SpirePower Rocketeer V 500W Modular Power Supply @ Pcapex.com
While I do not know what design firm had a hand in the Rocketeer series, the stylish looks were even appreciated by my wife, an unabashed neophyte to PC hardware. The cat also showed a lot of interest in the PSU; but I suspect that had more to do with her aberrant and compulsive attraction to packing peanuts and shiny things. The plated titanium colored finish is top notch as is the very nice touch of plating the bottom-mounted 120mm and rear 80mm wire fan grills in the same titanium finish.
Connect3D Radeon X1800 GTO 256MB Video Card @ Bona Fide Reviews
Today we have Connect3D's new X1800GTO video card in the BFR labs. The X1800GTO, the latest addition to the X1800 family, was launched back in March but only became available to buy in stores just last month. The GTO label is used to identify a card as a budget graphic solution. In the case of this card the X1800GTO is quite similiar to the higher-end X1800XL with the only difference being the number of pixel pipelines. The X1800GTO features 12 pipes while the XL and XT versions have a full 16.
VANTEC NexStar GX (NST-370GX) @ Hi-Techreviews.com
Want to spend less than $50.00 and get a hard drive enclosure that has that has all the features you will ever need? Then you may want to give the Vantec NexStar GX a once over. Here is a 3.5" hard drive enclosure that is not only easy on the eyes but also offers you a three-port USB hub built into the unit along with a temperature controlled fan to help keep your hard drive from getting to warm. To learn more about this product come on along as we check it out...
Asus Ageia PhysX Physics Processing Card @ Xsreviews.co.uk
This review is all about a product that is said to be the next leap in the gaming hardware world. Not only are we now able to run quad graphics card setups in SLI or Crossfire mode, Dual core processors and more, we are now able to run the physics of games through a single processing unit, a PPU (Physics Processing Unit). The principles of PPU technology is that by running all game physics through a dedicated physics "engine" it will be possible for much more realistic in-game physics. As apposed to pre-set animations of objects moving, they will (If all goes to plan) move in a much more realistic fashionm, with gravity and force playing much more influential roles in the movement of the objects than ever before. Currently there are few games that fully support PPU technology, but just to see how things are moving along with Asus' take on the Ageia PhysX card, we put it through its paces with our setup benchmarking software and games.
AcBel LCD Power Supply 550W @ Hardwarezone.com
For those who subscribe to the idea that the perfect power supply units (PSU) are faceless entities that just do their work reliably and with minimal fuss, think again. AcBel has a new product that raises the low profile of the PSU from tireless workhorse to a star in its own right. Yes, the humble PSU now garners some of the glam with its own specialized LCD display and it comes in a cool blue too.
SilverStone Temjin TJ08 Case @ 3Dgameman.com
The SilverStone Temjin TJ08 has a clean look and great design. The front is aluminum, but the remainder is steel and weighs in at only 5.5kg (12lbs). There are two 5.25" and two 3.5" external drive days and two internal 3.5" drive bays. This case also has a removable motherboard tray which makes installation of a motherboard, CPU, cooler, & memory simple. One big plus is the two quiet 120mm fans included with this product. This is a very unique feature for a micro-ATX case and will provide exceptional cooling inside the case. This is a full featured, affordable micro-ATX solution. Watch the Video to find out more...
Buffalo FireStix FSX1000D2C-K2G PC2-8000 DDR-2 Memory @ Pcstats.com
Buffalo Technology's 2GB PC2-8000 FireStix FSX1000D2C-K2G memory has a default clock speed of 1000 MHz (DDR2-1000) at CL 5-5-5-15, which when running in a dual channel configuration can provide up to 8GB/s worth of bandwidth. The interesting back story on these Firestix modules PCSTATS is about to benchmark for you is that the Buffalo engineers veered away from the standard JEDEC design, and relied instead on the talents of Kazuyoshi Tsukada to develop the PCB trace layout. Kazuyoshi-san has been recognized by JEDEC for PCB design, and now heads the Melco Inc. PCB design team.
Gigabyte 3D Rocket Cooler-Pro PCU22-VG Heatsink @ Frostytech.com
Known primarily as a motherboard manufacturer, Gigabyte first entered into the heatsink markets with a large cylindrical copper cooler called the 3D Cooler-Ultra (PCU31-VH); an excellent thermal solution that tipped the scales at over 700+ grams! This was followed by the 3D Rocket Cooler (PCU22-SE), 3D Cooler-Pro (PCU21-VG), and the budget minded G-Power Pro and Neon Cooler 8-BL heatsinks. Thus far, most of Gigabyte's heatsinks have been variations on the 3D Cooler design, with a couple of enhancements here and there for mainstream users who just need quiet multiplatform cooling.
Zalman VF900-Cu GPU Heatsink Review @ GruntvillE.com
I must say that the installation section of the manual is very detailed. I was amazed to see clear illustrations with each and every piece of the heatsink numbered and referenced. This heatsink is designed to be used by both of the popular platforms; ATI and NVIDIA. You can use the VF900 with ATI models 9000 and newer minus the popular 9600 and 9550 series. With NVIDIA, you can use the sink with a GF4 card or newer except for the AGP version of the 6600. That's a lot of video cards and I'm sure you'd be hard pressed to find another heatsink that can support this many late model cards. | | | | |
| VH News: Monday 3rd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 15, 2006 @ 11:54 |
| Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard @ Short-media.com
The possible uses of the screen are numerous. The keyboard comes
bundled with a few apps for the LCD panel such as a time and date panel, a CPU and RAM meter, a POP3 email reader, and a stopwatch applet. There is a community of modders that write applets for the panel, and Logitech has made the SDK available so that astute programmers can write their own.
Thermaltake Aquabay M4 @ Techpowerup.com
Thermaltake with its well known Aquabay series has added a HDD water cooler to its list of offerings for their water cooling kits. The new cooler is dubbed the M4 which is the next number in line for the Aquabay series. With the addition of this new HDD water cooler it opens a new debate as well "Do I really need to water cool my HDD?" We'll try to answer that question as we review the Thermaltake Aquabay M4.
DDR2 Memory: Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP) @ Legit Reviews
SLI Certified Memory for the nForce 590 SLI chipset will feature EPP and Corsair was the first to market with these EPP-based DIMMs. Corsair was one of the companies that took off and ran with Enhanced Performance Profiles as their customer base is enthusiast oriented. Other memory companies like Kingston and OCZ have been working with NVIDIA on EPP modules and when the upcoming AMD AM2 processors come out will be ready to support EPP.
BlueGears b-ice 120mm cooling fan @ Pro-Clockers
With every case manufacturer producing cases that utilize 120mm cooling fans, fans like the b-ice is a must have, especially when using them in clear cases or side panels. This would also benefit anyone that is in need of a larger CPU fan for their CPU heatsink. A perfect fit for someone using say an Aerocool XFire.
Corsair Cool GPU and VGA Water Blocks @ ThinkComputers.org
A short while ago I reviewed the Corsair Nautilus 500 external liquid cooling system. Corsair was also kind enough to send me their VGA and Chipset blocks to go with the Nautilus so that is what I have up on the review block today. We know from my review that the Nautilus is an excellent cooling solution for your CPU, but what happens when you want to cool your video card and your chipset along with the CPU all in the same loop? Well you'll have to read on to see how the Nautilus performed under the pressure...
Scythe MINE CPU Cooler @ Modthebox.com
With the base of the heat pipes welded or otherwise bonded to the copper core, heat is transferred to the solution within the pipes, which evaporates, rises through the fins where it is cooled, condensing and running back down the pipes to be heated once more. There are 6 pipes altogether on this design, and if I had any doubts as to the feasibility of heat pipes before, I certainly don't anymore.
ICY DOCK eSATA External 3.5'' Drive Enclosure @ Bjorn3d.com
SATA has been implemented primarily inside the desktop and more recently in laptops. The benefits of SATA are the higher bandwidth (300MB/s) and thinner cable. Because of these benefits, it has been recently adopted so that it can also be used with an external connector. eSATA is slowly being added to some of today's high-end motherboards, such as the Asus A8N32-SLI. In order to use the eSATA, the system motherboard needs to have the eSATA connector, or you can buy an expansion card that basically will route the internal SATA externally. The eSATA connector is basically a shielded version of the internal SATA connector with a few differences: | | | | |
| VH News: Monday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 15, 2006 @ 11:11 |
| Preview - ASUS M2N32-SLI (NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI) @ Hardwarezone.com
We have more Socket AM2 goodness coming your way and this time it is in the form of ASUS' upcoming AM2 motherboard. Packed with the high-end nForce 590 SLI chipset, ASUS ups the ante with the M2N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard. We know you can't resist a sneak peek, so read on.
Gigabyte GA-8N-SLI Quad Royal Motherboard @ Pcstats.com
The Gigabyte GA-8N-SLI Quad Royal is the first motherboard ever to feature four physical PCI Express x16 slots. This very special motherboard is based on the nVidia nForce SLI Intel Edition chipset, and as such supports Socket 775 Intel Pentium processors. The board actually has two nForce4 SLI chipsets PCB, the Intel (Northbridge) and AMD (Southbridge) edition work in tandem to support all four PCI Express x16 slots, and this is what makes the GA-8N-SLI Quad Royal feasible.
SilverStone Zeus ST56ZF 560 Watt Power Supply @ TechTastic.ca
Today we take a look at one of the first few Nvidia SLI certified power supplies from Silverstone. The Zeus ST56ZF power supply is rated at 560 Watts while operating at up to 50ºC internal temperature. The Zeus ST56ZF is also crossfire ready.
ECS 945G-M3 Motherboard @ Hothardware.com
As ECS continues to gain respect and attention in the enthusiast motherboard market, the company is of course extending its reach into the segment it is best known for - the budget segment. While high-end and enthusiast-level boards often cost $150 or more, budget and entry-level motherboards can usually be had for $70-90. Entry-level doesn't necessarily equate to a lack of great features though, as demonstrated by the two review candidates on the test bench today.
The ECS 945G-M3 motherboard is based on Intel's 945G chipset, while the ECS C19-A SLI motherboard is based on NVIDIA's nForce4 SLI XE chipset. Both boards sport an LGA775 socket, 667MHz DDR2 support, 1066MHz FSB support, gigabit Ethernet, SATA 3Gb/s ports and 8-channel audio.
Scythe Shogun Low Noise Heatsink Review @ Frostytech.com
As quiet as the Scythe Shogun is, the heatsink is cursed by a set of mounting mechanisms that are complicated and unwieldy to install. The Scythe Shogun weighs in a hefty 790 grams, and stands to a towering height of 147mm above the CPU. The heatsinks' 120x120mm hypro-bearing fan spins at between 700RPM-1600RPM, while producing at most 45.9 dBA in our real world tests. Socket 775/478 Intel Pentium 4 and socket 754/940/939 AMD Athlon64 processors are supported by this model. It does not support AMD's socket AM2 processors, however.
ECS C19-A SLI Motherboard @ Phoronix
The ECS C19-A SLI is an all-around great SLI motherboard for
Intel users. The board formally supports Scalable Link Interface using the NVIDIA C19XE + MCP51 Chipset. Other features for this budget solution include Gigabit LAN, and Realtek 8-channel audio. The overclocking abilities are also surprising. | | | | |
| VH News: Monday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 15, 2006 @ 3:52 |
| AeroCool Dominator CPU Cooler @ Hard-h20.com
Aerocool introduced a lot of new products at CeBit this year. Among them we could see a new heatpipes cooler with a twist: it is one of the first ones that uses a huge 140mm fan that moves a lot of air with low noise. We will check how this behemoth behaves in our review. Read Aerocool Dominador CPU Cooler review.
OCZ 2x1024MB Platinum XTC Dual Channel PC-3700 Kit @ OCIA
The PC3700 EB memory looks like a fine piece of artwork with its XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heat spreaders. They have to be one of the nicest looking ram modules on the market today. The kit comes with 3-3-2-8 timings (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS) at DDR466 and feature OCZ's Enhanced Bandwidth Technology for improved memory bandwidth and stability.
Chaintech GeForce 7300 GS 256MB DDR2 @ Hardwarezone.com
While the standard NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GS comes at a core clock speed of 550MHz and 810MHz DDR for the memory, Chaintech offers an even lower-end version of this by using 256MB worth of cheaper DDR2 memory rated at 3.7ns compared to the usual 2.5ns used.
Aspire X-QPack @ Techpowerup.com
The Aspire X-QPack is a unique case, which has everything the gamer is looking for. It is small and portable, thanks to the integrated handle and has all the room one could need. The small power supply still packs a punch and can power all the latest hardware with its 420W. But Aspire did not stop there - they included a 12 cm blue LED fan, as well as thermal probes so you can keep an eye on your temps while playing your favourite games at a LAN party. We crammed the case completely full, using every last screw that was included and checked out how it performed.
Galaxy GeForce 7600 GS 256 GDDR3 @ Hexus.net
Not only have they laughed in the face of 7600 GS's reference clock settings, but they've thrown out the obnoxious little reference cooler and attached something entirely more attractive in its place. And all while offering you other goodies to aid even more performance to be investigated without fear of breaking or voiding anything.
Budget Graphics Cards Compared @ Techreport.com
Can S3's Chrome S27 pull off an improbable coup and snatch the budget graphics crown, or does either the Radeon X1300 Pro or the GeForce 7300 GS prove superior? We've rounded up a trio of graphics cards that cost under $80 and subjected them to an array of graphics performance and video playback tests to find out.
LG-VX9800 by Verizon @ Digitaltrends.com
The LG-VX9800 by Verizon, for instance, flips open like a toy laptop, sort of a smaller version of the Nokia 9500 Communicator. It has a tiny QWERTY keyboard on the base and a 2.25-inch landscape LCD screen with a pair of stereo speakers on either side, which makes it ideal for video and TV watching; however, messaging, not video, is the VX9800's primary non-cell phone function. The VX9800 is not a good music phone, and it's too chubby for jeans pockets. If you need a messaging phone, choose a real Blackberry. If you need a Verizon multimedia phone, go with the LG VX8100 or Samsung SCH- A950.
ASUS AM2 Motherboard Lineup @ Dailytech.com
With the AM2 and MCP55 launches just around the corner (May 23, 2006), motherboards are already starting to trickle into the retail channel. DailyTech recently obtained the complete ASUS AM2 launch roadmap, including ATI, NVIDIA and VIA offerings.
Gigabyte AM2 Motherboard Lineup @ Dailytech.com
Gigabyte has five "tiers" of upcoming AM2 motherboards, each denoted by an "S." An "S5" motherboard is more high-end than an "S4" motherboard. Each "S" denotes a different feature, such as SLI, Silent, etc. | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 1st Edition
Posted by Diceman on Saturday, May 13, 2006 @ 4:06 |
| Mushkin PC2-6400 DDR2 Memory Review @ 3DGameman
“Mushkin offers a few memory options and have a number of different memory performance categories which include Perfectmatch Memory (PM), Enhanced Memory (EM), High Performance (HP) and Extreme Performance (XP). The XP2-6400 memory is really meant for anyone who is interested in pushing their memory to the limit. This will really please enthusiasts who are interested in overclocking but also want to save a few dollars…”
Antec Performance One P150 Case Review @ Futurelooks
We got our grubby little hands on Antec's P150, a milky white case that looks eerily like something Apple would approve of. So come on and check out what we thought!
AeroCool Dominator CPU Cooler Review @ hard-h2o
Aerocool introduced a lot of new products at CeBit this year. Among them we could see a new heatpipes cooler with a twist: it is one of the first ones that uses a huge 140mm fan that moves a lot of air with low noise.
Razer Diamondback and Copperhead giveaway at Modders-Inc.com
Modders-Inc.com is entering the last week of our Razer Mice and Mantis Pads Giveaway! If you want a chance to win a Razer Copperhead Mouse and a Mantis Mat of your choice just check out the contest page too enter. It is so simple to win, so what are you waiting for?
2006 E3 Booth Babes - Day 3 @ The TechZone
E3 is over and these are the reminder of our booth babe pics. We save some of the best for last. This set of photos includes the always hot Tecmo girls, the Logitech SIN girls, the THG Cars babes and a whole lot more. Enjoy!
E3 2006 Show Floor Gallery @ futurelooks
For those of you that couldn’t be there, we got pictures from the E3 Show Floor. Enjoy all the crazy booths, creatures, and products from the show.
PCApex E3 2006 Booth Babe Gallery
Well gang, I uploaded all of the decent or better quality pics we took while at the convention. There may be more added later from other sources but for now there are 70+ pics there for you to oogle at. ENJOY! | | | | |
| VH News: Friday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Friday, May 12, 2006 @ 10:16 |
| Corsair Nautilus 500 External Water Cooling Kit @ Modthebox.com
While Corsair's earlier external water cooling kit "The HydroCool 200" was quite bulky, the Nautilus 500 is much more compact, streamlined, and lighter. Made of plastic, the central unit looks very neat and clean. The high density polyethylene reservoir can be seen from the front, which glows green when powered. A metal filler cap is used on the top, as well as a 120mm exhaust fan with protective grill. The rear of the unit is also clean, with inlet and
outlet quick connect ports, power cable and fan speed selector switch.
ASUS EN7600GT Silent (GeForce 7600 GT 256MB) @ Hardwarezone.com
Besides going for the gamers and enthusiasts with faster and more overclockable products, there is also a segment of the market that prefers quiet peace of mind to having a slight improvement in frame rates. A mid-range card like the GeForce 7600 GT is also likely to find favor with those with home theater PCs, where graphical prowess may be secondary concerns compared with heat and noise output. Therefore, a passively cooled GeForce 7600 GT is a logical approach for any vendor hoping to carve a niche in the crowded GeForce 7600 GT market. And that is exactly what ASUS has done for its new EN7600GT Silent.
NiBiTor (NVIDIA BIOS Editor) v2.9 @ Mvktech.net
MVKTech has just released a new version of NVIDIA BIOS Editor (NiBiTor) software. NiBiTor is the original and defenitive BIOS tweaker that supports the latest NVIDIA graphics cards. NiBiTor allows graphics card enthusiasts to have full control over advanced features and functionality found on firmware on supporting cards. This to gain some extra performance, enable hidden features and extra stability on the NVIDIA graphics cards.
NVIDIA nForce 500 Series Presentation @ Techpowerup.com
This press presentation from NVIDIA talks about the upcoming nForce 500 Series chipsets. One interesting feature is SLI Memory (EPP Memory) which has been developed together with Corsair. Another highlight is the new networking support in nForce500 which offers dual Gigabit with technology that makes you "King of Ping" and also lets you link together two GigE links. You want RAID with 6 SATA drives? That's possible with nForce 500 too.
Tuniq 2 Cooler @ Pro-Clockers.com
Tuniq may be a division of Sunbeamtech, but with the introduction of arguably one of the best coolers around today, the Tuniq Tower 120, they have set themselves apart from the rest. The Tower 120 was put up against the likes of the Thermalright XP120, Thermaltake Big Typhoon, Zalman 9500 and countless others on many review sites and came out on top in some of the cases. But can their latest tower, the Tuniq 2 have the same effect as well? We shall see.
Asus P5WD2-E Premium Motherboard @ Viperlair.com
Asus are well known for high quality and performance, a hard combo to attain, much less maintain on a constant basis. With the P5WD2-E Premium, Asus once again shows us a motherboard thats not only built well, it performs like no other I have tested previously. Overclocking is not just a possibility, it is a requirement with this board; simplistic enablement of Overclocking for the beginner, and advanced controls for those of us that like the outer edge a bit more.
OCZ 1GB Gold & Platinum XTC PC2 5400 DDR2 Memory Kits @ Bigbruin.com
The test results all show that at or around default speed the Gold series can provide results close to what the Platinum series offers, and for about $25 less. The differences in scores between the two sets of memory will also disappear when translated to real world experience, and the bottom line is that you will have a few more dollars left in your wallet.
Razer Krait Mouse @ Phoronix
Since Razer's first product, the Boomslang, they have been on
an almost unstoppable winning streak with their various gaming
peripherals. The last Razer mouse that we had the opportunity to caress was the Razer Copperhead, and today we took up the opportunity to examine one of their recent creations, the Krait. What new features do the Razer Krait bring to the mouse pad? For one, its rare in the fact that its a gaming mouse yet they reverted to a traditional three button design, compared to other mice that now sport five or even eight buttons.
XPS System Makeover @ Hexus.net
These new chassis are made of 2mm thick aluminum and are designed in a BTX-like-fashion. They will launch in the US first with a 3 week delay on launch in the UK. No one could give us a firm date for launch though. They will come in a series of colours and it will be an option when configuring the system. Instead of having a light on the front which you can change in the BIOS, these new Dell XPS chassis have a light which shines through and allows you to see the ports on the back.
Ageia PhysX Graphics @ Atomicmpc.com
Our view of the game world needs to be enhanced to feel like the real world so those laws can be broken and unreal worlds created. Imagine playing a good Matrix game! We need PPUs because it's like having HDTV – once you've played it there's no going back. We've been promised the true essence of simulation for too long now, and finally the tools to make that a reality are being delivered. We have all heard so many promises that have turned out to be empty over the years. Bring on the totally destructible polygons. Bring on interactive object-driven environments. The PhysX PPU is out of this world.
Spire VertiCool II and DiamondCool II @ Overclockersonline.com
So how do we classify these new coolers from Spire? Considering that the cost for either HSF is ~$32 according to PriceWatch, I think that one word sums it up: balance. Both units run cooler than the stock equipment while producing less noise, which is something that we can all respect. But in the end, the VertiCool II is the better performer, and thus, the better cooler.
The Game O' 3D Gaming Mouse @ Thetechzone.com
The Game O' 3D gaming mouse opens up new frontiers for gamers to explore, by offering enhanced movement options and flexibility. For example, in FPS, Game O' offers gamers a way to move forward, backwards, sideways, jump, crouch, pitch, yaw and roll without using the keyboard. Gamers' left hands are free to execute commands that were mutually exclusive with WASD keys. In RTS and RPG titles, gamers are able to issue game commands while simultaneously adjusting the screen view during online battles, as they no longer have to move the cursor to the edge of the screen to move the camera. | | | | |
| VH News: Thursday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Thursday, May 11, 2006 @ 11:02 |
| Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit
The keyboard has come a long way. What was once just a device to input key strokes, is now used for word processing and to play the latest games. Saitek has stepped in with their Pro Gamer Command Unit to provide the next evolution of the keyboard. The idea behind the Pro Gamer is to provide gamers the ability to load different profiles depending on which game they are playing. So if a first person shooter is your flavor of the month, you can easily switch to a profile that best suits your needs."
Kingwin Supernova HTPC Case @ Modthebox.com
The sides of the Supernova HTPC Case are constructed from 1/2 inch extruded aluminum that provides strength while keeping the weight down. The rear of the case is also made from aluminum except for the motherboard I/O plate and PCI area which is made from steel. There are two 60mm fans to help extract the heat that were surprisingly quiet when tested in silence on the bench. The
Supernova uses a full sized ATX spec PSU which is not included giving the end user the option to use a PSU of their choice.
Bluetake Bluetooth Headset & Adapter @ techniz.co.uk
Gain more freedom with the novel Bluetooth ® Headset BT400 G5 while you're out for an amble or in for a meeting. The imperceptible wireless connection is reach to 10 meters and needs no any line of sight of your mobile phone, free your hands. Moderate talk and standby time add to the easy and pleasurable experience. A flexible ear hook which not only provides wear elasticity but also gives a cosy wear experience, additionally the sturdy conjunction makes the BT400 G5 stays in the place even when you're in motion. The BT400 G5 Bluetooth ® Headset is effortlessly used with any mobile phone which supports the Bluetooth ® Headset and Hands-Free profiles.
ECS C19-A SLI (NVIDIA nForce4 SLI XE) @ Hardwarezone.com
ECS attempts to take on the big boys with an attractively priced board that gives SLI hungry Intel users a reason to drool. At first glance, the C19-A SLI sports some really spartan features, but once you take this nForce4 SLI XE powered motherboard on a test run, you won't be looking back.
Logitech G15 Review @ Maximum CPU
You’ve probably heard, or at least seen this keyboard before—it’s hard to miss. Coming from the well established Logitech, this board is their top-of-the-line peripheral targeted to the gamer with everything. With features that include an LCD display and eighteen extra macro keys, she’s loaded for war.
Samsung YP-F1 XB MP3 Player @ DreamWare Computers
In the past we've looked at many MP3 players from Samsung. These have ranged in size from big to small, and capacities from small flash-based players to large hard drive models. Today we're looking at the YP-F1 XB, which is a player from their newer line of the popular Yepp MP3 players.
Powercolor X1800GTO @ Techpowerup.com
The X1800 GTO cards use regular X1800XL chips with just 12 rasterizing pipelines instead of 16. Clocks are still at 500 MHz for both memory and core. We tested this card and found it is an overclocker's dream. Even though we could not unlock the extra pipelines, the card still overclocks very well, in our case to over 700 MHz on air cooling.
ABIT Fatal1ty Professional AN9 32X Motherboard @ Legit Reviews
Walking through the ABIT/Fatal1ty booth at E3 this year we spotted one of the upcoming NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP motherboards on display in plain site. This is the first time that ABIT has shown off the final version of their board and Legit Reviews was on hand to bring you the photos. Read on to see the final revision of the ABIT Fatal1ty Professional AN9 32X motherboard!
Shuttle SD36G5M Motherboard @ Hothardware.com
With the release of the new SD36G5M, Shuttle has brought to market a potent system which supports Windows Media Center and conforms to Intel's VIIV platform. Although packaged in the familiar "G" style chassis, the SD36G5M is equipped with a wealth of new features and functionality that differentiate it in the field of existing products in the marketplace.
Logitech V400 Laser Cordless Mouse Review @ CoolTechZone.com
The V400 is designed to be a road warrior mouse, according to Logitech. The statement is bold, no doubt. While we’ll certainly assess the device in normally used conditions, the most exciting feature appears to be the dual laser design. Instead of having a single laser, there are two that should theoretically increase responsiveness and precision on sensitive surfaces. How well does it work? Read on and find out... | | | | |
| VH News: Thursday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Thursday, May 11, 2006 @ 2:49 |
| Microsoft Workplace of the Future Concept Photos
Therein lies the future of information technology as seen through the eyes of the Center for Information Work (CIW), the concept office on Microsoft's Redmond, Wash., campus.
Microsoft Updates the Office of the Future
"The newly expanded CIW is our companywide think tank for cultivating that knowledge and applying it to the next generation of software-based productivity tools," Microsoft CIW group product manager Tom Gruver told CNET News.com.
Microsoft releases Windows CE 6 beta
Microsoft has unveiled a test version of its Windows CE 6 operating system for embedded devices.
The operating system is commonly used in set-top boxes, GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, PDAs, industrial automation and medical devices. Products with the new OS are expected next year.
Microsoft said it has redesigned the kernel, or heart of the OS, and exponentially expanded the capacity for simultaneous processes from 32 to 32,000.
A Look At Will Wright's E3 Spore Presentation @ ThinkGaming.org
The show floor opened up this morning to early-access press only and I headed straight for EA’s booth to check out some of their offerings. In addition to Crysis and Battlefield 2142 playable on the showfloor, there was a Spore presentation being ran by the master Will Wright himself. Here is an overview and some screenshots of what he had to say.
Shuttle VIIV Compliant SD36G5M XPC @ Hothardware.com
With the release of the new SD36G5M, Shuttle has brought to market a potent system which supports Windows Media Center and conforms to Intel's VIIV platform. Although packaged in the familiar "G" style chassis, the SD36G5M is equipped with a wealth of new features and functionality that differentiate it in the field of existing products in the marketplace.
OCZ Mini-Kart 1GB @ Phoronix
Last year we had presented our findings from the OCZ
Technology Rally drives, which was the company's first stab at creating a competitive USB flash device, and the drive has been the fastest competitor we have seen to this point and took its reign from the Corsair Flash Voyager. Today we have our hands on the recently announced OCZ Mini-Kart.
Universal Abit First Out the Door With HDMI Motherboard
The motherboard features a 667MHz front side bus and the ICH7m-DH southbridge. A Core 2 Duo (Merom) processor is capable of taking advantage of the full DDR2 533MHz bus as well. Firewire, dual SATA 3.0Gbps interfaces and optical HDA input/outputs are all standard on the IL-80MV. Of course, the news shocker is that this motherboard features 15-pin D-sub analog and HDMI video out.
Introducing "Tritium": NVIDIA's System-Wide Component Platform
NVIDIA has plans for the ultimate overclocker's system - your next motherboard may be an overclocking monster!
* CPU memory interface: DDR2 interface running at 800MHz
* CPU C51XE 16 x 16 HyperTransport interface: 1.5GHz
* C51XE x16 PCI Express link: 150MHz
* C51XE/MCP55XE 16 x 16 HyperTransport interface: 1.5GHz
* MCP55XE x16 PCI Express link: 150MHz reference clock
Pioneer to Offer 600W 5.1 Channel Solution for XBOX 360
Pioneer's HTP-XGS1 is a 5.1 channel surround sound system custom designed for the XBOX 360 console. It has a total power output of 600W through 5 satellite speakers: front left/right, center, and rear left/right, plus a subwoofer for bass. The system has 2 optical inputs, 1 coaxial, an analog input for audio and an AM/FM tuner.
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| VH News: Wednesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 @ 11:38 |
| Additional members of the GeForce 7 family? @ Ngohq.com
Today we had the chance to speak with a very reliable, unofficial source who is very familiar with some of Nvidia’s plans. The same source gave us some news regarding additional members of the GeForce 7 family. Since this source is unofficial, consider the following information as a rumor: 7900GS, 7600GTX, 7600LE and 7300GT.
Athlon 64 X2 4600+ and Athlon 64 FX-60 @ Hardwaresecrets.com
Dual-core technology is finally a reality and the tendency is that all mainstream CPUs to become dual-core in a near future. But will average users really benefit from it? In this review we've got two CPUs running at the same clock rate, Athlon 64 3800+ and Athlon 64 X2 4600+ (both running at 2.4 GHz), and could see if there is a real performance gain for regular users. We also checked Athlon 64 FX-60 performance, which is a dual-core Athlon 64 FX running at 2.6 GHz.
ThermoHawk 400 Touchless Thermometer @ Metku.net
Sensor in ThermoHawks operates by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the object/surface being measured. This technique brings a lot of benefits. Being touchless is one of the most crucial. This allows you to take measurements from very hot, sterile or hazardous material that would be impossible with many thermometers that are operated via a physical contact.
SteelPad QcK+ Gaming Mousepad @ Techpowerup.com
SteelPad have been around for some time now and have an excellent reputation for producing high quality mouse pads. The SteelSeries SteelPad QcK+ is made with the gamer or graphics designer in mind. This pad offers so much surface area that you will never run out of space when things get hectic. The fabric used ensures high precision in all scenarios, even the highest resolutions on optical mice. Another plus is that this nice pad comes at a bargain price of under $15.
The Kingston DataTraveler Elite - Privacy Edition @ Legit Reviews
If you enter a wrong password a small window will pop up informing you that you have entered an invalid password. If you enter an invalid password more than 25 times the drive will lock the user out and need to be formatted. We thought we would see if this was true and entered the wrong password 21 times and on the 21-24 tries we got...
Noctua NH-U12 & NH-U9 Coolers @ Ocia.net
Both coolers feature four dual heat-pipes through 38 aluminum cooling fins mounted to a copper base, all soldered for maximum thermal convectivity. The NH-U9 is designed to be used with 80mm and 92mm fans; the NH-U12 with 120mm fans. Both coolers can mount two fans at once and are compatible with Intel Socket 478, LGA 775, and AMD K8. Both of these coolers are quite large: the NH-U9 has over 3,800 square centimeters of surface area and the NH-U12 has over 5,000.
OCZ GameXStream 700 Watt PSU @ Pro-Clockers
There was probably no power supply as popular or as trustworthy as the PowerStream line from OCZ. And with as much respect that power supply has gotten over the years, OCZ would be hard pressed to come up with a better unit. But, they have released the new GameXStream 600 and 700 watt power boxes. Will it compete with the PowerStream, we will soon see.
Kingston launch 2GB DDR with 2-2-2-5 Timings @ Pureoverclock.com
Kingston have been a little quite with there DDR1 HyperX range for quite a while now, but today’s announcement brings that to an end! Kingston have announced some tasty new DDR400 modules with super fast 2-2-2-5 timings in 2x1GB configurations.
Creative Zen Vision:M @ Bjorn3d.com
Creative have been working hard to get out of the shadow and created some fine products. My last MP3-player was a Creative Zen Micro, which I was satisfied with. It might not have looked as snazy as the iPOD Mini but the sound quality was brilliant and it had FM-radio, a feature I like.
Samsung YP-T8Z 1Gig Portable Media Player Review @ Tweaknews.net
Overall I would have no problem recommending this player to someone wanting an all-in-one product in such a small package. With all these feature packed into one small ergonomic package, the only thing you might have a problem with is the initial price tag. But as many wise people say with respect to many characteristics of life.....you get what you pay for.
Altec Lansing AHP612 Wireless Headphones @ ThinkComputers.org
Another wireless product up on the test block, this time it's the Altec Lansing's AHP612 Wireless Headphones. These headphones do not use the ever popular Bluetooth wireless technology. Instead they use omni-directional 900 MHz technology that delivers clear, accurate sound through walls, floors and ceilings. Bluetooth is limited by its short distance range so let’s see how these headphones compare to the previous ones we looked at.
XtremeMac MicroFolio iPod Case @ Bytesector
One of the reasons that the iPod is such a cultural phenomenon is its great looks. The reflective pure white/black front, with the bare metal back makes it a stylish and unique item on the market. Unfortunately, the highly reflective finish is a magnet for scratches, and after a few weeks of bouncing around in your pockets, it looks decidedly less stylish.
Asustek PW201 LCD Panel with Webcam @ DailyCE.com
The PW201 supports 1680x1050 resolution, 800:1 contrast ratio,
300nits brightness, composite, S-Video, and component support, DVI-D and D-SUB inputs, built-in 3W stereo speakers, a headphones jack, flexible tilting angle and height adjustment, portrait and landscape viewing options, and a security lock.
Toshiba Qosmio F20 Notebook Review @ CoolTechZone.com
There are times when an ultra slim notebook just doesn’t cut it. Times when you wish it had more power and could do more, much more than what a regular Sony VAIO would let you do. The Qosmio F20 is an answer to just such a need, provided you are willing to turn a blind eye to its "slightly" bulky size and weight.
Sytrin KuFormula VF1 Plus VGA Cooler Review @ Modthebox.com
The video card, which for many of us is probably the most expensive single component in our computer systems, is obviously the most important part of any gaming system. Unfortunately, many video cards come with woefully inadequate cooling. Anyone with the misfortune to have had a fan fail on their video card and experience constant crashes, blue screens, graphical corruption etc will testify to the general inadequacy of most stock offerings.
HP Gets Personal with its Latest Notebooks @ Hardwarezone.com
HP unveiled five new business notebooks and two consumer notebooks recently at a special press preview at Seoul, South Korea. Hardware Zone was there to witness it all and has all the juicy details here. | | | | |
| VH News: Tuesday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 @ 1:09 |
| All Pentium D and Pentium Extreme Edition Models @ Hardwaresecrets.com
Pentium D is a dual-core version of Pentium 4, and Pentium Extreme Edition is a Pentium D with HyperThreading technology enabled. Pentium D and Pentium Extreme Edition CPUs can be found using two different core versions: Smithfield and Presler. In this tutorial we will talk about these two core versions and we will also list all Pentium D and Pentium Extreme Edition models released to date...
Testing the 3D Performance of Your PC With Quake 4 @ Hardwaresecrets.com
One of the best ways to benchmark the performance of your PC is running a heavy 3D game, since it will pull the maximum performance your video card, CPU, memories and hard disk drive can deliver. Quake 4 fits nicely in this role for PCs found on the market today. In this short tutorial we will teach you how to use Quake 4 to measure the performance of a PC.
Sony Shows How Desperate They Really Are @ Bona Fide Reviews
Well done Sony. You have managed to show you have no creativity what-so-ever and, when it comes to gaming, all you know is hardware. Today Sony revealed it's "new" final version of the PS3 controller. Looks exactly like the PS2 controller doesn't it? Instead of redesigning the controller, they simply went back to the original but they threw in an extra gimmick; the controller senses 3D movement.
Battle of the Backups @ Short-Media.com
Human nature being what it is, the easier it is for you to regularly do a comprehensive backup of your data the more likely it will be that you’ll do it. Part of this article will explore two different programs which can automate the task to a large extent, increasing the odds that should misfortune strike it will be merely a nuisance – and not an unrecoverable calamity.
It's swag time around the sites. Naturally, we would love to hog you all to ourselves, but that wouldn't be fair to you. Here are some sites that you can win some "toyz" at. Good luck!
May Swiftech Giveway @ XYZ Computing
The prize this time around is a Swiftech H20-120-P Watercooling Kit and RadBox. We reviewed this kit a long time ago and now we are giving it away! This prize is very DIY, so if it is not for you there are some other prizes to choose from like a Spire 939 CPU Cooler, Arctic Cooling 939 CPU cooler, Crucial Ballistix T-shirt, Steelpad S&S mouse pad, X Ray Technologies Thunder 8 mouse pad, SlickSteel mouse pad...
Bjorn3D 10 Year Birthday Contest
The prizes are:
1st Place will get: XFX 7900GT VIVO with TombRaider Game
2nd Place will get: 2 XFX 7600GT's for SLI with GRAW Game
3rd Place will get: XFX Headset with Forcefeed back and Mic and XFX GamePad
3DGameman's Massive Giveaway
3dGameMan teams up with Cooler Master, Crucial, Hiper Group, SilverStone, Thermaltake and Ultra Products to bring you Giveaway/Contest 27: Site Re-Design Grand Opening. Sponsored products: Cooler Master providing Stacker Case, Crucial providing 1GB PC3200 DDR Memory, Hiper Group providing Hiper 580W PSU, SilverStone providing EB01, MS01, & MS02, Thermaltake providing Matrix VX Case, Ultra Products providing Xfinity, X2 PSUs and Aluminus Case.
Step-by-step to Creating a Dual Screen System @ Techzone.com
A big reason why people have not adopted dual monitors is because many simply don't know how to set them up. Well, after reading this article, you'll have all the knowledge you'll need to double your viewing pleasure. Now only will we show you the step by step, but we'll also show you the equipment to buy and the software to use.
Building an Infrared Transmitter for Your PC @ Hardwaresecrets.com
Several motherboards have the necessary hardware for the installation of an infrared transmitter/receiver, requiring only the installation of a module containing the infrared sensor. The great problem, however, is that this module is not easily found in the market and, when it is, its price is high. In this tutorial we will show you how to build this module spending barelly nothing. Any user who knows how to use a solder iron can assemble it.
Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z5 Digital Camera @ DailyCE.com
According to Casio, the EX-Z5 is beginner friendly with numerous
default settings, such as the ones for outside, night and inside shots. The camera has the ability to switch to an easy mode, which is again a beginner friendly option, since they won't have to worry about technical features. Personally, one of our favorite technologies is the anti-shake feature. As the name suggests, it stabilizes the image even if you have can't hold the camera still, which is indeed a common occurrence.
Kodak EasyShare V570 Digital Camera Review @ CoolTechZone.com
As if buying a camera wasn’t already confusing enough - with megapixel counts, digital or optical zoom? How much zoom? What kind of memory? What kind of automatic modes and such? Kodak adds a whole new twist to the buying decision. How many lenses? Yes, with the V570, Kodak has released the world’s first dual lens camera. | | | | |
| VH News: Tuesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 @ 12:48 |
| AeroCool ExtremeEngine 3.0 Case @ Neoseeker.com
The NH-U 12 is an absolute giant that is equipped with a robust cast/machined solid copper base. Clamped and soldered to this base are 4 copper heat pipes, each molded from 1/4" diameter thin walled copper tubing. Wrapped around those copper spires - 38 stamped aluminum cooling fins. This cooler is perfectly industrious in its nature.
Dopod 577W (WiFi) @ Hardwarezone.com
You're not alone if you thought the Dopod 577W looks uncannily like something you've seen before. Truth is, the design of the Dopod 577W was actually the O2 Orion in the making until the plug was pulled. However, don't let the new name fool you because even with a new model name, the Dopod 577W still packs quite a hefty list of specifications to rank itself as more than just your average Smartphone.
Sony Press Conference Overview – Opinions on the PS3 and more… @ ThinkGaming.org
The E3 madness has begun today with Sony’s press conference covering all of the latest of Sony’s offerings, including some new details on the PSP and all that you’d want to see and hear about the Playstation 3. Key points included a large collection of PS3 game demos and trailers never-before-seen as well as price points and release dates for the PS3.
PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1KW PSU @ 3Dgameman.com
Who would have thought that 1000 watts would be used in a personal computer system! Well, the fact is, most still don't require this kind of serious power. However, for the serious computer user and especially the hardcore gamer, it most definitely is. With dual NVIDIA SLI and ATI CrossFire setups becoming common place, a high-quality power supply with lots of juice is a necessity. Also, most serious gamers will push their systems to the absolute limit...
nVidia Quad SLI Introduction – Gaming Future Looks Good @ Tweaktown.com
When it comes to buying these cards for your own Quad SLI system, you really would be stupid to purchase them if you’re using anything less than a 30” LCD monitor. We can see that even then we aren’t unlocking the full potential. The other thing to remember - Gigabyte mentioned to us is that the next system that they build, it is going to revolve around Intel Conroe and AMD AM2 processors. While initial benchmarks for AM2 don’t look all that exciting, Conroe on the other hand looks like it’s going to be the next “in” chip for enthusiast PC users with up to 40% increases in performance. This will go along way to improve the CPU limitation factor which we’re starting to see so much these days.
Toshiba 120GB MK1234GSX SATA Hard Drive @ Rojakpot.com
Thanks to its higher areal density and spindle speed, the Toshiba MK1234GSX is much faster than small capacity 4200 RPM hard drives like the Fujitsu MHT2040AT. Our tests showed that the Toshiba hard drive had a 33% faster read speed and a 14% faster random access time than the Fujitsu hard drive.
HighSpeed PC Tech Station Review @ Legit Reviews
The Large Tech Station is exactly was I was looking for to hold all of my gear that I have in my test bench. It allows me to have everything in one easy to access location, and gives me the peace of mind that all of my gear is safe and secure. The Tech Station was a very easy build, and should not take more than the 20 minutes to put together as claimed by HighSpeed PC...
Sapphire TOXIC Radeon X1900 XTX @ Hexus.net
Almost 100% of the criticism of ATI's latest high-end Radeons revolves around the cooler, such is its Bernard Manning-esque levels of obnoxiousness. You can't really fault performance, image quality is class-leading and having one (or two) in your PC means you're a discerning purchaser of potent pixel pushers. But (unless you're as deaf as a post) I bet you don't like the cooler.
Corsair Nautilus500 Water Cooling System @ Techfear.com
Anyone that's in the market for an inexpensive water cooling kit should take a look at the Corsair Nautilus500. With a quick installation and robust cross-compatibility with various socket types it's one of the most complete kits on the market.
Noctua NH-U9 and NH-U12 CPU Coolers @ Bigbruin.com
The Noctua NH-U9 and NH-U12 can now be included in a class with the cooling elite; joining such well performing coolers such as the Zalman Fatal1ty, Thermalright HR-01, and Thermaltake Big Typhoon. I had a great first impression of the Noctua coolers from the moment I opened the box, and I was not disappointed once I had tested their performance.
Spire DiamondCool II @ Pro-Clockers.com
As you expect from Spire, the entire heatsink is made of 100% pure quality copper to produce the highest quality of product possible. A signature Spire "UV-Reactant Spider Fan" sits atop the base pushing an astonishing 25.78CFM (airflow) and at under 21dBA (noise level). With all its features, style and Spire’s respected name, any techie will tell you, the DiamondCool II is the only choice for you!
Spire VertiCool II @ Pro-Clockers.com
We have being reviewing Spire products on PC for a good little while. And doing that time we have seen some really sweet products come from them. From their Italian designed Pininfarina cases to their popular DiamondCool heatsink. Today, Spire was cool enough to send over their latest coolers, the DiamondCool II and VertiCool II. And let’s see how they compare.
Kingwin KF-25 Data Dock @ Modthebox.com
The front portion of the KF-25 includes a 4-port USB HUB Tray and 2.5" HDD Tray. These pocket sized devices can be used right at home within the Data Dock, or on their own with a USB cable. Each of the stainless steel trays is clearly labeled HUB or Hard Drive. The back tray's include a USB port for stand alone external use, or to interface with the KF-25 when docked.
Aerocool XFire CPU Cooler @ ThinkComputers.org
Aerocool is a great name for a company that makes cooling products don't you think? The name alone is sleek and conjures visions of futuristic looking things and technology. Today for review I have the AeroCool Xfire CPU cooler, and it truly does look sleek and futuristic. Looks aren't much if you don't have the performance to do with it, so read on to find out just how well the Xfire can perform...
Blackberry 8700g @ Digitaltrends.com
People in a high-demand workplace need to constantly keep updated on information. Whether it’s checking e-mail, making phone calls, or viewing stock prices, most people you encounter will all be using the same tool: the Blackberry. T-Mobile’s Blackberry 8700g is the best Blackberry to date. Its combination of sophisticated styling, excellent navigation, and high-powered applications make it a must-have for communication on the go.
Zalman VF900-Cu VGA Cooler @ hi-techreviews.com
This dual heatpipe unit comes with an adjustable speed controller has all of the features you would want in a great card cooler, things such as 100% copper construction, ease of installation and the ability to fit a wide range of video cards. So come on along as we check this copper beauty out and see what we found out as we compare it against one of HIS's IceQ coolers.
BFG’s PhysX Physics Processing Card @ Hothardware.com
Without question, one of the hottest topics throughout the industry this year has been the advent of the discrete physics processor or "PPU" (Physics Processing Unit). Developed by a new startup company called Ageia, this new physics processor gives game developers the opportunity to create entirely new game-play characteristics that were not considered possible using standard hardware. Since its original inception, both CPU and GPU vendors have come to the spotlight to showcase the ability to process physics on their respective hardware.
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| VH News: Monday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 8, 2006 @ 11:01 |
| First Looks from Taiwan - ABIT's New Identity AM2 @ Tweaktown.com
ABIT’s upcoming AM2 motherboards are pretty much complete and ready to go. ABIT will release their “Fatal1ty” AN9 32X motherboard in June and boards should be shipping at the same time. On the other hand, ABIT are still working hard on Intel Conroe based motherboards. From what we have learned so far, Intel won’t be releasing any new high-end chipsets till the end of the year and the Conroe processor will use the 975X and 965 chipset. Keep in mind Conroe processors will not work on your current 975X based motherboard due to the power requirement changes of the new CPU which claim to use 40% less power but provide 40% more performance clock for clock.
Bluetake BT400 G5 Bluetooth Headset @ Bluetomorrow.com
Bluetake Technology Co. really impressed us with its i-PHONO mini
Bluetooth stereo headphones, but the best we can say about the company's BT400 G5 Bluetooth headset is that it's comfortable to wear. In fact, the headset's flexible ear hook is designed so well, the headset barely feels like it's on the ear...
Bluetooth Headset Roundup @ Xyzcomputing.com
With so many Bluetooth headsets on the market it had been a real challenge to pick only 3 or 4, each had to be worth spending a week with to evaluate. I’ve owned some Motorola headsets in the past, such as the H700 and HS850, and was mildly impressed at most and stopped using them after about 2 weeks. So I decided it was time to leave the mobile phone manufacturer’s headsets and place a call in to Jabra and Plantronics. XYZ Computing's Joe Selim takes a look at the BT800 and JX10 from Jabra and the Voyager 510s and Discovery 640 from Plantronics.
OCZ Mini-Kart 1GB Flash Drive @ Techpowerup.com
The OCZ Rally USB Stick revolutionized performance of USB sticks. Now OCZ has released another stick called the Mini Kart which is optimized for size and ultra-portability. The stick which comes in a 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB version has a height of only 2.8 mm. Small enough to carry it around in your wallet. Considering how thin the Mini Kart is, we tested its strength using the weight of OCZ's latest PSU hooked to the end of the USB stick to see if the stick would snap.
Zalman VF900-Cu Dual Heatpipe VGA Cooler @ Bigbruin.com
Zalman continues to innovate in the field of high performance, low noise cooling. The VF-900Cu provided excellent cooling performance and was able to do so with absolutely no noise. Even at full speed, the cooler was quieter than the stock unit it replaced, and it kept the X800 GTO almost 10 degrees Celsius cooler!
Seagate NL35.2 Series, ST3500641NS 500GB Drive @ Bjorn3d.com
Seagate recently introduced the new NL35T series of SATA drives which they call 'Near Line' that takes direct aim at the workstation/entry-level server environment. A quote from Seagate states: 'The NL35T Series drives are designed for workloads that fall between enterprise workloads and desktop computer or entry-level server workloads. NL35 Series drives are not appropriate for true high duty-cycle enterprise workloads.' Hmmm! A niche market for drives or a stepping stone to the future? Please join me for a look at the Seagate ST3500641NS, 500 GB SATA Drive to ascertain if the differences this product brings to the table truly indicate this product's future is as bright as the manufacturer's literature suggests.
Logitech vs. Saitek - Joystick Comparison @ TechArray.com
Nothing beats having a joystick for games that can truly take advantage of one but with so many choices it can be difficult to find the one that best suites your needs. Today we take a look at the Extreme 3D Pro and Freedom 2.4 from Logitech along with the Cyborg Evo from Saitek. Read on to see how they compare.
Scythe KAMARIKI-2 550W Power Supply @ ThinkComputers.org
Today for review I have another product from Scythe, the Kamariki 2 power supply. In relation to other PSU's out there the Kamariki is small in size, but don't let the size fool you, it's got more than enough power for even the most power hungry systems out there. Not only does it have the power but it also seems very stable and reliable, and it looks really cool doing all this with some added cool features as well. Let's check it out...
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser Review @ CoolTechZone.com
Continuing with its laser series, Logitech has upgraded its proven diNovo Media Desktop keyboard, keypad (MediaPad) and mouse combo to a laser version. Technically, there’s nothing laser about the product, so to speak, but since Logitech has included an updated mouse, the MX1000 laser, we are assuming this is the reasoning behind the new name. And knowing that laser is the new technology in mice, it makes sense to jump at the opportunity to label anything with new technologies. After all, it’s a stupendous marketing strategy.
This Guide has some useful suggestions compared to others I've read the last couple weeks. If you're building a system or are curious what may be a good upgrade, have a read.
Or, you can stop by Virtual-Hideout's Forums and drop the question. You'll definitely get some great suggestions from the [VH] staff and contributors.
System Guide for the masses @ Techreport.com
O2 XDA Mini-S: Phone or Pocket PC? @ Short-Media.com
You might be looking at that measly 200MHz processor and thinking it's a bit slow, but using the Mini-S doesn't feel that way. There's occasional slow down when converting the screen from portrait to landscape, but nothing too drastic. In any case, this article is about what you can do with the Mini-S, not its performance stats, so let's leave the benchmarks on the bench where they belong and get some real-world experience with it. | | | | |
| VH News: Monday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 8, 2006 @ 2:48 |
| Ultra X-Infinity 500 Watt PSU @ Viperlair.com
Performance was also pretty good. It produced slightly more stable voltages than the comparison Enermax power supply, especially in regards to the CPU voltage. Though as a note the voltage data was taken using a software program so it isn't the most accurate, though for a comparison between two power supplies in the same settings it works just fine. As for noise, well there wasn't really any to speak of, though the Ultra was somewhat quieter than the Enermax.
SilverStone Zeus ST75ZF 750W @ Phoronix
If the popular 500~600W power supply units are not enough to
suit the growing needs of computer enthusiasts, SilverStone Technology has released a phenomenal 750W continuous power PSU. With providing just over the equivalent of one horsepower, the SilverStone Zeus ST75ZF features quad +12V rails, dual PCI-E 6-pin connectors (plus the option for two more), industrial grade components, and active PFC. Is SilverStone's ST75ZF the new front-runner for high-end power supplies?
AeroCool Silver Lightning 140, 120, 92 and 80mm Fans @ Hi-techreviews.com
There is no law written though that says these fans must be ugly or loud either, and that is where AeroCool has come to rescue once again with their new line-up of Silver Lightning Cooling Fans. Ranging in size from 80mm right on up to the big Daddy of them all at 140mm that fits into a 120mm opening we found these fans to not only be extremely quiet but also had the ability to deliver a great of air where it was needed.
Sytrin KuFormula VF1 Plus GPU Cooler @ Overclockersonline.com
It doesn't take much analyzing to conclude that this is an awesome
product. The KuFormula VF1 Plus not only performed extraordinarily well, but it was also easy to install, well made, quiet and aesthetically pleasing. It is unbelievable that the KuFormula VF1 Plus can perform 30 degrees Celsius colder than the Arctic Cooling Silencer 5 revision 2.
VIA EPIA MII 12000 Motherboard @ Modders-Inc.com
Are you considering building an HTPC but do not want a full size PC in your living room? Maybe the following has ran through your head... "If I could put a PC into that it would be freaking outrageous!" Well you may just be in luck, at a compact size of 6.75"(w) x 6.75"(d) x 1.5"(h) the VIA EPIA MII 12000 could just make all your custom PC dreams come true. This tiny mother board has every thing imaginable onboard, from the embedded CPU to an MPEG-2 Accelerator, the MII 12000 is a feature rich and versatile product.
A new concept to the home theater market. Very interesting idea and application from Polk Audio.
Polk Audio SurroundBar @ Topreviewshop.com
With the increasing popularity of wall-mounted plasma and LCD TVs, the market for elegantly styled and simple-to-use sound systems has also spiked. In particular, demand has risen for a system that can be mounted or placed near the TV with minimal installation effort. Some companies, such as Mirage and Boston Acoustics, have created stylish speaker packages by combining the front left, center, and front right speakers into a single enclosure. Polk Audio has gone even further by attempting to replicate the sound of an entire 5.1 audio system with the SurroundBar. | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Saturday, May 6, 2006 @ 5:16 |
| HIS X1800GTO Turbo 256MB Video Card @ 3Dgameman.com
Need to get in the game, but don't want to break the bank? Well, this video card offers great performance and features at an affordable price. The core speed on this product is 520MHz, which is 20MHz over the default X1800 GTO core speed. 256MBs of GDDR3 memory at 1000MHz is also a plus. It also comes with 12 pixel shader processors that will have no problem powering through the latest games. And let's not forget, its crossfire ready!" Watch the Video to find out more...
Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC-4000 1GB Kit
The Crucial Ballistix Tracer memory is specifically built for performance enthusiasts and case modders who want to push the performance envelope while adding flash appeal to their boxes. Ballistix Tracer memory features a black PCB, black integrated heat spreaders, and two rows of eight chasing red and green LED's atop the module, circulating at varying speeds proportional to usage. A custom designed circuit relays bus activity to the LED's, allowing them to accurately reflect usage of each memory module. In addition, eight blue ground effects LED's emit a constant glow near the pins. Time to check yourself how the performance stacks up...
Aerocool Silver Lightning fans @ Pro-Clockers
We all know that Aerocool is fast making a name for themselves in the world of cases and cooling. The success of the ExtremEngine line of cases and front panel devices have been a pretty big success for them. Being no strangers to cooling fans, Aerocool was nice enough to send over their entire line of Silver Lightning cooling fans. From sizes ranging from 80mm to 140mm, there is surely one or two to meet your needs.
Seagate 120 GB 2.5 inch Portable Hard Drive @ Futurelooks.com
Mass storage in the palm of your hand. The Seagate USB portable hard drive stores a large amount of data in this compact size. In its sleek rounded design, it is almost stylish enough wear. Now carrying your whole digital library is as easy as storing it on this one drive and taking it where you go.
ASUS Grand Opening in Singapore @ Hardwarezone.com
ASUS is expanding its global presence and has decided to make Singapore its first overseas international headquarters. Today, www.hardwarezone.com® takes a trip down to witness the official opening along with the arrival of a few luxury-class hardware.
They aren't kidding either. The ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 looks like you could drive it at first. Then a laptop that looks more like an actual notebook bag, from the ASUS S6 Leather Collection. Anything called a Lambroghini better be the fastest laptop! | | | | |
| VH News: Weekend 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Saturday, May 6, 2006 @ 5:01 |
| Vizo USB 2.0 Lan Dock @ ThinkComputers.org
If you have a laptop and take it from home to the office then you know about port replicators. What a port replicator is, is a dock that you plug all your connections into (LAN, USB, Printer, etc.). Then you sit your laptop right on top of it with the provided connection (think iPod connector). This is great if your laptop has a port replicator port on the bottom, but what if it doesn't? Well today we are looking at a product from VIZO that does everything a port replicator does but uses a USB 2.0 connection and is half the size! This saves you the setup time of connecting everything. All you have to do is plug in 1 cable and you're ready to work!
Lian Li PC-201 (PC-V Series) @ Overclockercafe.com
The Lian Li PC-201 has an enormous appeal to a spectrum of users. System administrators will love it because of the expanse of drive combinations and roomy insides capable of handling even extended ATX mainboards. Modders will love it because of the room the drive area offers for a separate area for cooling fan, radiator and pump in a water cooling kit. Keeping all the H2O stuff separate makes for a clean look and piece of mind.
GeCube Radeon X1900XTX Graphics Card @ Tweaktown.com
As far as performance is concerned, you can’t be anything but impressed. Whether you’re in the market for more frames or just better gaming quality, this thing has it all. Even with AA/AF cranked up or using the latest HDR effects in the newer game titles, the performance and eye candy are amazing.
MSI RX1800GTO-VT2D256E (Radeon X1800 GTO 256MB) @ Hardwarezone.com
The Radeon X1800 GTO may find itself undercut by the cheaper GeForce 7600 GT now but with rumors circulating of a possible price adjustment, it could well get back into the game. So for those anticipating such a scenario, we have MSI's take on ATI's latest mid-range card.
NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT Graphics Card @ Rojakpot.com
Even though the new NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT is a mid-range card designed to replace GeForce 6600 GT, its performance was far better than expected. It actually came close to the performance of the GeForce 7800 GT, a high-end card which costs twice as much.
Cooler Master Centurion 534 Case @ Modthebox.com
The eye candy for this particular model is the brushed aluminum front bezel and emphasis on good air flow. The Centurion 534 includes a special mesh design that is located on the left and right hand sides of the front bezel which assist with cooling performance.
Genius HP-04D Headphone @ Extremeoctech.com
After testing the HP-04D Headphones from Genius we feel that for the price tag they make great all around headphones that do not skip out on quality. There are plenty of other headphones in the price range of these but for the money you would be stupid to turn these bad boys up. They do have there bugs and are a little big but we feel that for the price and the quality you can afford to look a little goofy :) We feel the Genius HP-04D are a must buy item!
Antec Performance CPU Cooler @ Bjorn3d.com
Today we're going to looking at a brand new HSF, simply called the Performance CPU Cooler, just introduced by Antec® a company well known for design and manufacture of cases, fans, and other quality cooling solutions. While well versed in cooling solutions, and even OEM production of several basic HSFs, to the best of my knowledge this is Antec's first truly 'High Performance' HSF to be marketed. Will it meet the mark necessary for success or fall short of the mark as first generation products often due.
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| VH News: Friday 2nd Edition
Posted by Temujin on Friday, May 5, 2006 @ 2:01 |
| OCZ DDR2-1000 Platinum XTC EL @ Phoronix
OCZ Technology once again has hit the market with another
innovative creation. Satisfying our benchmarking craves this afternoon is the OCZ DDR2 PC2-8000 Platinum XTC Enhanced Latency. Will these 1GHz DDR2 modules be the next step in desktop computing?
Corsair's TWIN2X1024-8500 PC2-8500 Memory @ Neoseeker.com
We've published a review of Corsair's TWIN2X1024-8500 PC2-8500 memory. These babies are rated at 266MHz (1066MHz Quad Datarate) with 5-5-5-15 2T timings and even at stock settings are nothing to sneeze at. But we pushed these babies to the limit and managed to hit 290Mhz, or the equivalent of PC2-9120 memory!
Vizo Gemini cordless optical mouse @ Pro-Clockers
Small hands, quick access or usage with a laptop or lack of space. These are all reasons why an individual would want to use a smaller mouse. In shopping around for such a mouse would lead you to a lot of chooses to pick from. Vizo was kind enough to send me the Gemini in their box of plenty.
three CrossFire Xpress 1600 Based Motherboards @ Hothardware.com
The DFI RDX200 CF-DR, Asus A8R-MVP and ECS KA1-MVP motherboards performed at near identical levels in all of the benchmarks we ran. Overall, it is impossible to declare any one CrossFire Xpress 1600 based motherboard "faster" than another. Due to the fact that AMD's Athlon 64 processors feature an on-die memory controller, and we used the exact same CPU, memory and drives build up our test systems, similar performance was to be expected.
Logitech LX7 Cordless Optical Mouse Review @ CoolTechZone.com
Considering the mainstream mindset, Logitech released its LX7 Cordless Optical mouse late last year. As the name suggests, it’s based on optical technology that defined and revolutionized mice, especially for gamers. Now that we can compare the two technologies side-by-side, is Logitech’s LX7 still a worthy contender? Read on and find out...
Thermaltake Big Water 745 @ ThinkComputers.org
Liquid Cooling, I love it! There used to be a time when liquid cooling was for the 'pros' and enthusiasts who quite a bit of money to play with, now pretty much everyone can afford the luxury of a liquid cooled computer. Thermaltake is one of those companies that knows what people want and need, they seem to be able to put together quality performance setups with quality parts and still keep the costs down so the average Joe can afford them. Today for review I have their new BigWater 745 liquid cooling system, not long ago I reviewed their Big Water SE and was impressed, let's see how the 745 compares!
SilverStone TJ08 @ Overclockersonline.com
The TJ-08 is quiet, cool, and the perfect size to play any role it
may need to take on. Whether it be a home theater system, desktop publishing powerhouse, or easy to move gaming system; the TJ-08 excels with quiet function and incredible cooling.
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 750GB SATA Hard Drive
Seagate really does have the Steve Austin of hard drives on their hands with the Barracuda 7200.10, as it really is better, stronger, faster. One thing the 6 Million Dollar Man didn't have going for him was being "bigger", which is obviously something the 7200.10 does have. At 750 GB it is the industry leader in size.
Apple iPod Nano 2GB MP3 Player @ Bigbruin.com
The Nano is the best designed MP3 player I have ever seen or used. While they made it look all slick and shiny, it has to lose some points because it's so easily scratched. I would like to see Apple come out with a more "hardened" version that is meant to take the abuse that a flashed based MP3 player should expect to take.
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| VH News: Friday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Friday, May 5, 2006 @ 1:55 |
| 2x1GB DDR Memory Roundup: Corsair, Mushkin and OCZ @ Pureoverclock.com
Games such as Battlefield 2, F.E.A.R, Quake 4, and more recently Oblivion are setting an obvious trend that will only continue. If you’re a serious gamer then you really should have 2GB of fast system memory, and if you currently have 2GB of ' value' stuff but are looking to upgrade, then the kits on test today from Corsair, Mushkin and OCZ are perfect replacements.
Thermaltake Maxtrix VX Case Review @ XYZ Computing
In the Matrix VX Thermaltake combines two segments which have been very important to their success over the past few years- aluminum cases and LAN party cases. These two go together quite well- the light weight of aluminum makes it the ideal material for a case which is going to be brought to a LAN party and the small size means aluminum's comparative strength disadvantage to steel is not a factor. At 3.8kg the Matrix VX is Thermaltake's flyweight ATX enclosure. It is slick looking, equipped with the basics, and ready for some testing.
ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 (ULi M1695 + M1697) @ Hardwarezone.com
Breaking the barrier between enthusiast and mainstream is ASRock's 939SLI32-eSATA2 motherboard. Based on the ULi M1695 and M1697 combo, you get dual x16 and a truckload of features. If you're on a budget, but want to run with the top dogs, the 939SLI32-eSATA2 will show you a trick or two.
HD DVD vs. Blu-ray @ Gideontech.com
Just when you finished replacing all your VHS tapes with DVDs, you heard that there are two new kids on the block, HD DVD and Blu-ray. They both claim that they're the successor to DVD, and that eventually they're going to replace it completely. If you've been watching this fight from the sidelines, confused by the differences between the competing standards, keep reading, and we'll explain some of the technical details behind the marketing hype.
Seasonic S12 600W Power Supply @ Pcstats.com
There are a lot of expensive power supplies on the market but unfortunately most are expensive due to gimmicks like flashy LED fans, see through PSU containers and detachable cables. What you should look for instead is for a power supply that has passed industry certification (like nVIDIA's SLI certified PSUs) and do your homework by posting in computer forums asking the more experienced users what they think of certain models. This way you can get yourself a truly reliable power supply, not some pretty piece of junk.
Asetek VapoChill Micro HSF @ Tweaktown.com
When all is said and done, it appears that the folks at asetek have done their homework. While the concepts of using a refrigerant as a cooling medium have been around for some time, the required condenser and airtight components to go along with it have made the cost terribly prohibitive. The VapoChill Micro gives us the ability to use the same methodology, but in a product that produces very reasonable results without going below ambient, thus taking away the need for all the big dollar accessories.
Corsair Nautilus 500 External Water Cooling System @ Tweaktown.com
Of course, this isn’t the company’s first water cooling endeavor. You might remember a full- blown water cooling solution called the Corsair COOL. This product featured several components very similar to the vaunted Swiftech water cooling series. The Nautilus takes a bit different approach than the COOL, however. According to the friendly folks at Corsair, this water cooling solution is reportedly one of the easiest and quickest to install products on the market.
ASUS P5N32-SLI Deluxe @ Hardocp.com
If you are an NVIDIA chipset fan, an "Intel guy," and a glutton for unneeded punishment, the P5N32-SLI Deluxe might be just right for you!
Enermax NoiseTaker II 600w Review @ Extremeoctech.com
The NoiseTaker II PSU from Enermax worked flawless from the get go. All of the features and specs worked the way they should have. Install was a breeze and the thing even looks cool! If you want a good SLI or gaming PSU then look no where else then the Enermax NoiseTaker II. We did find a few things we didn't like about the PSU like not all the cables being sleeved which sucked but you can sleeve them yourself or just route your cables and do basic cable management and you will be fine.
Corsair XMS2-8500 @ Bytesector
Since my last memory review, Corsair has been busy designing and building the fastest memory on earth. With a previous top memory speed of 1GHz, Corsair saw a need to improve that just slightly to 1066MHz or 1.066GHz. What is 66MHz going to do for you though? In all honesty, not much, but Corsair's theory is that if the memory runs at the same speed at the processor FSB, then surely performance will be optimal. Right?
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| VH News: Wednesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 @ 9:19 |
| SunbeamTech Nuuo 550w PSU @ Ocia.net
The Nuuo 550 was introduced last fall. It was the first modular PSU to be certified by nVidia for use with SLI. With the mad rush by all PSU manufacturers to get out new models of power supplies suitable for use with the power hungry NF4 Ultra SLI chipset and multiple video cards, many buyers may have overlooked Sunbeam's offering. Now that things have settled down some, and SLI is reality, with modular construction and it's very attractive price, the Nuuo 550 should stand out as a serious consideration.
Ultra X2 550W PSU - Titanium @ hi-techreviews.com
One of the first modular power supplies to be released was the original Ultra X-Connect, this supply went on to be a record setter for Ultra Products. Never being a company to sit on their laurels they immediately started work on the next X-series power supply. Their newest version is named the X2, so come on along as we put it through a few stress tests to see how well it handles the pressure.
Asetek WaterChill Xternal Water Cooling @ 3dgameman.com
There are many external water cooling kits on the market, but few are as hardcore as the Asetek WaterChill Xternal. This kit has everything needed for a complete water cooling solution. It comes with three waterblocks; one for the CPU, GPU, and Chipset. All have an acrylic top with a thick smooth solid copper base. The main unit houses a great pump, viewable reservoir, large radiator, and four 120mm fans. One very unique feature with this system is that it can be connected to your computer's USB and controlled with custom software. It even comes with an LCD. As external water cooling kits go, this product is king of the hill! Watch the Video to find out more...
S3 Chrome S27 PCI Express Videocard
If you want to take advantage of Microsoft Vista's fancy Aero Glass visual interface (and by all accounts you really do) the computer must have videocard hardware capable of at least DirectX 9 with a minimum of 64MB on board memory. And wouldn't you know it, the new S3 Chrome S27 videocard fits the bill perfectly with a very affordable price too. Funny that. The S3 Chrome S27 PCI Express videocard specs look quite appealing on paper, it has everything a decent graphics accelerator boasts these days; a 90nm manufactured silicon core, eight pixel rendering pipeline, 128MB GDDR3 memory and dual monitor outputs.
USB Flash Drive Roundup @ Hardwaresecrets.com
USB flash memory drives are now part of our lives. Smaller and with a capacity higher than floppy disks, these devices are the perfect replacement for the old floppies. This time we brought five new models from Geil (David 100), Kingmax (Super Stick), Kingston (DataTraveller Elite and DataTraveller U3 Smart) and OCZ (Rally) and added them to our previous roundup, so we are comparing nine different USB flash drives. Who is the winner?
Enermax Laureate Hard Drive Enclosure @ Xsreviews.co.uk
As computer software becomes more complex and more refined, the file size tends to increase. So as computer users we have to move to bigger hard drives and multiple hard drives. Since some cases can only support a few hard drives this can present a slight problem for those that need a bit of extra space. However, to make it possible to have that bit of extra space you can opt for an external drive. Again though, this presents problems. How do you protect that ever so important HD? Well there are many companies that offer external HD enclosures, but none perhaps as established as Enermax, the kings of the PSU. How will their experience port over to a different type of hardware? Lets find out.
Plantronics Pulsar 590A Bluetooth Headset Review @ Legit Reviews
Using the Plantronics Pulsar 590A to listen to music in the office, computer lab, or while traveling is sweet since Plantronics has given the user everything they need to connect and communicate with any device out there. The Universal Adapter is worth its weight in gold. Being small and rechargeable the Adapter goes wherever you need it to go to interface with whatever device you need...
Sapphire X1800XT Performance Edition @ at Modders-Inc.com
Sapphire burst into the high end graphics arena with both barrels blazing with their X1800XT "Performance Edition". This card delivers 512mb of GDDR3 Memory running at 1.5Ghz, and the powerful R520 core clocked at 700Mhz. This 2 slot high end PCI-E graphics card utilizes Shader Model3.0, HDR, and adaptive AA, allowing you to have unparalleled Image Quality along side High Performance. If that wasn't enough Sapphire includes a great bundle, "Avivo" Technology, and support for digital and analog displays, including HDTV.
XGene Imperial 2.4G Wireless Keyboard+Trackball @ FastLaneHW.com
There are many reasons to invest in a wireless keyboard. Some people like to place the keyboard out of sight when it's not in use. The same could be said for their mouse. For other folks, just having wires laying on their desktop looks too messy. Gamers on the other hand usually go for the wired devices unless wireless mice and keyboards are very responsive - any lag can spell death in a first person shooter game like Doom III. Can a wireless keyboard and trackball combo meet the needs of all these people? We are going to find out by reviewing the XGene Imperial 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboard +Trackball device.
BlueGears B-Cool Fan @ ThinkComputers.org
Cooling, every computer needs it, so why not do it in style? Cooling for your computer comes in many different shapes, colors and sizes. Today I am taking a look at a cool little product from Blue Gears; it is the B-Cool 80mm fan. What makes this fan unique is that it has a built in temperature display that shows the temp of the incoming air on while the fan is spinning, the LED display is actually parts of the spinning blades of the fan. This is a cool little product that will really add some style to your computer. Let's get a better look at it...
S3's MultiChrome dual-GPU technology @ Techreport.com
S3 GRAPHICS HAS BEEN making a slow, sustained push for respectability since the arrival of its first Chrome-series graphics processors in 2003. That push continued with the introduction of the updated Chrome S27 GPU last fall, and at that time, S3 hinted at a new wrinkle in its plans. Like ATI and NVIDIA, S3 would be introducing a multi-card graphics capability, dubbed MultiChrome. We got a brief preview of MultiChrome in action back in November, but S3 has been quietly preparing the tech for prime time since then.
Cooler Master Ammo Case @ A True Review
I was kind of worried when I set out to review another computer case. I figured Cooler Master's Ammo case was just another bland case with a good looking skin. What I got was an exceptional case. The tool-less design is very solid and flexible. It makes installing devices very easy. While lighting effects are a minimal, more can be added to mod this case. The buttons and handle on the top of the case, just top it off. About the only complaint I could come up with was no rear or top fan.
Silverstone EB01 Premium Digital To Analog Converter @ Extrememhz.com
Silverstone quickly hit the spotlight with their high-end cases that in some cases, are unmatched in terms of overall quality. This was certainly apparent when visiting their super impressive booth at this year's CES with Tom. They haven't been around for long, but they are already venturing into other PC related products, including audio. The product I'll be looking at today is their first audio product that was featured at CES and is targeted at those looking to build a quality home theater system. The EB01 is an elegantly designed USB digital to analog converter capable of providing quality stereo sound. | | | | |
| VH Forum Happenings
Posted by Diceman on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 @ 2:03 |
| I'd first like to thank everyone that's helping in making the Forum Community the fast grower that it is. The growth in the last few months has been great, but as always, more is needed. I know there are alot of you out there that just don't bother with getting involved, and I understand that. However at least give it a visit and poke it with a stick, you may find something of interest in there.
As for what IS going on in there, let me see what I can cook up. First up we have the winner in the previous tech station giveaway writing about modding the prize where he completely redid the configuration on it. Very nice indeed. Next up we have some lian li custom CNC machining for a new button bezel. Maybe you want to give your thoughts on the best gaming headphones socket 939 or AM2? Of course you can do all that, but don't forget to enter in the Tech Station Giveaway while you're at it. That just wouldn't be right. Maybe gaming is your gig, how about telling us your favorite games of all time or your most anticipated games of 2006. We've even got a movie hideout. Bottom line, get your hump in there and let us know who you are! | | | | |
| VH News: Tuesday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 @ 11:25 |
| Maxtop CSX-CM03B Mid Tower Case @ Bigbruin.com
Since the Maxtop CSX-CM03B Mid Tower Case does not have anything that screams for attention, it would be a good option if you wanted it for a home office, family room, or possibly to serve as a home theater computer (HTPC). It could sit in a corner, and you would barely notice that it is there.
ThermalTake Volcano 4005 @ Bytesector
ThermalTake is known for producing exceptional coolers for processors and cases with thermal efficiency in mind. Back in the days of the AMD AthlonXP, they had a series of coolers labeled under the Volcano name. At the time, my favorite was the Volcano 11 Xaser Edition. This year, ThermalTake has brought the Volcano name back, this time on a waterblock. The Volcano 4005 is a standard ThermalTake waterblock with a radiator attached. Can this cooler actually be an effective cooling solution?
Asus Extreme Radeon X1900 XTX Video Card @ Viperlair.com
There's pretty much nothing to complain about here in regards to the image quality while gaming. HDR is especially impressive in Oblivion, though it's not really my game of choice. Battlefield 2, my game of choice, looks fantastic at 16x12, everything on at 6xAA and it runs smooth as butter. Considering how much the card costs, this is something we expect.
A-Data Vitesta DDR2-800 Memory @ Techpowerup.com
AData is well-known in the overclocking scene as a high-quality memory brand which offers good overclocking on all their memory modules. We have their Vitesta DDR2-800 kit on the testbench and were impressed that it could be overclocked to DDR2-900 without any problems. Even though the default timings of 5-5-5-15 are a bit slow, they can be tightened down to 3-2-2-4 when running lower clocks. Another plus is that this memory will work great even at stock voltage of 1.8V.
Leadtek WinFast PX7600 GT TDH Extreme 256MB @ Hardwarezone.com
Just when we thought the GeForce 7600 GT couldn't get any faster than the XpertVision GeForce 7600GT Sonic, here comes Leadtek to crash the party with its own Extreme version that tops everything we have seen in our labs so far. Here then is the very speedy Leadtek WinFast PX7600 GT TDH Extreme 256MB.
ECS KA1-MVP Extreme Xpress 1600 Motherboard @ Pcstats.com
The ECS KA1-MVP Extreme is one of the new breeds of ATi CrossFire Xpress 1600 motherboards. The board supports Socket 939 Athlon64/X2/FX processors as well as up to 4GB of PC3200 system memory thanks to the four dual channel DDR-RAM slots. Other standard features include two network cards (one Gigabit, one 10/100), an additional Silicon Image SiI3132 Serial ATA II/RAID controller, IEEE 1394a and 7.1 channel audio.
Kingwin Supernova HTPC Case @ Overclockercafe.com
The smaller than normally seen size ended up being a double edged sword. While being compact made the unit more manageable in a component rack, it also limits you to a MicroATX mainboard. Space was at a premium inside with a full system installed but things never felt 'packed in'. My dislike of the horizontally mounted PSU was actually negated to some degree after installation showed things to be roomer than I expected.
MSI K8N Diamond Plus Motherboard @ Tweaktown.com
The K8N Diamond Plus motherboard uses the nForce 4 SLI x16 chipset, the newest beast from nVidia. This chipset gives you a total of 32 PCI Express lanes for graphics cards alone; this means you get full speed PCI Express x16 slots. MSI uses a small interconnected heatpipe and fan design to keep the two chipsets as cool as possible - and this is especially great news for end-users who like to build quiet computers. That’s right - nForce 4 SLI x16 is a two chip solutions. nVidia worked this by placing the extra 16 lanes on the Southbridge chipset and uses a 1600Mhz Hyper Transport link to connect the Northbridge to the Southbridge.
Globalsat Wireless Bluetooth Entertainment Pack @ ThinkComputers.org
Bluetooth! Bluetooth! Bluetooth! That's all we have been hearing about lately! It is no surprise that manufacturers are making Bluetooth products for the most popular MP3 player of all time, the iPod. Bluetooth offers easy wireless connectivity to almost any device out there. Today we will be looking at 2 Bluetooth products from Globalsat that are made specifically for the iPod, the BTH-820 and the BTA-809.
The Creative X-FI Scandal @ Ngohq.com
Back in the summer of 05’, Creative announced about a new revolutionary X-Fi audio processor that was supposed to change how our games sound. They said it would be a very powerful audio processor with a 51 million transistor chip. They also introduced many new features and claimed that it would be a breakthrough in multimedia audio...
Today after many months, we did a little research to find out what has happened since then. We found out that only a few manufacturers have released BIOS updates to solve some of these issues. Creative has made a mysterious firmware upgrade that cannot be found on their website, and some users claimed it killed their card. According to users in their forums, most of the effected consumers are STILL having issues with the X-Fi series. Just look at how many results you get when you search for “X-Fi issues” in google.
A bit of the reasons I have yet to buy the X-Fi. Not so much the scandal, but the unsureness of whether or not I would get the luck of the draw as some other DFI users. Your system might rock with it on the other hand.
For our Linux readers keeping tabs on released Linux port games. Can't leave you guys out of the loop.
X2 - The Threat GPU Showdown Using Linux @ Phoronix.com
Announced last week by Linux Game Publishing was word that Egosoft's X2 The Threat had finally went gold with its Linux port. While the retail title will not be made available until some time around May 19 of this year, Linux Game Publishing has released a demo of this X2 The Threat title. For many, this will be the first time seeing this game in action under Linux, while LGP's Beta testing community has had in their hands the various Beta releases since the very end of last year. The closed testing community had encountered nine Beta releases before it finally went gold.
We've seen MSI AM2 previews everywhere. This one is a Gigabyte AM2 teaser, so something different.
Preview - Gigabyte's AM2 Boards (NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI & 570 SLI) @ Hardwarezone.com
In our previous Socket AM2 motherboard preview, we made a few mentions on the gist behind AMD's upcoming Socket AM2 processors. To recap that, you can expect the AM2 processor to have 940 pins, but it is not pin-compatible to existing 940-pin sockets used by the Opterons and any other current AMD processors on any other socket formats.
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| VH News: Monday 1st Edition
Posted by Temujin on Monday, May 1, 2006 @ 10:07 |
| ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 ULi M1695 Motherboard @ Pcstats.com
The brand spanking new ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 motherboard is one of the future friendly motherboards, and it looks pretty sweet. Based around the ULi M1695 Northbridge and ULi M1697 Southbridge, the ASRock 939SLI32-eSATA2 motherboard supports all current Socket 939 AMD Athlon64/X2/FX processors. The four DDR DIMM slots can accommodate up to 4GB of PC3200 unbuffered non ECC memory.
Deck - The Legend Backlit Keyboard @ Pcapex.com
Engineered for my pleasure, eh? I like the sound of that. :) Deck's product offerings include 21 key numeric keypads, 82 key keyboards, 82 key keyboard casings, special keycaps and the 105 key keyboard, called The Legend, I am reviewing today. Each of their keyboards/keypads are available in 4 different colors; Gold (yellow), Fire (red), Ice (blue) and Toxic (green).
DFI LANParty UT CFX3200-DR @ Tweaktown.com
While there isn’t much variation in scores at the benchmark level, we would recommend DFI and the LANParty UT CFX3200-DR to users who want to mod their case and show off a very flashy board, especially under U.V lights. This motherboard not only performs well and contains plenty of onboard features to keep you happy; it also looks good at the same time.
Patriot Memory 2GB PC4000 ELK @ Overclockersonline.com
Another review draws to an end and Patriot Memory has churned up a kit that matches the performance of the big leaguers while keeping its price at a very affordable range. Sticking to the stock timings, we were able to push the kit up to 260 MHz which is respectable for the Samsung UCCC but nothing spectacular for those making the jump from 1GB to 2GB. At 200 MHz, we dipped down to 2.5-3-3-5 which is about average for any given kit and one hardly used by any reader here.
HIS Radeon X700 AGP @ Hardwaresecrets.com
With VGA manufacturers releasing only PCI Express-based video cards, owners of AGP-based PCs were simply forgotten. Even though you can find quite easily AGP VGAs on the market, AGP users cannot find the latest releases for the AGP platform. And there are a huge crowd out there willing to upgrade their VGA to newer models without having to replace the whole computer. Thinking about this crowd, HIS released an AGP-based Radeon X700, which should satisfy owners of AGP-based PCs that are anxious to see new VGA models being released for this platform. Let's see how the performance of this Radeon X700 AGP from HIS is.
Turtle Beach Montego DDL Sound Card @ Extremeoctech.com
After putting the Montego DDL card through the tests we believe that this card is a triple threat when it comes to gaming, movies & music. We did have a small problem with the bass while listening to music but it made up for it in gaming and the movies test. We believe that everyone should give the Turtle Beach Montego DDL sound card a good look over before just jumping onboard the Creative Train. You might just think twice once you heard the Montego DDL Card.
Antec Take 4 (4U Rackmount Enclosure) @ Bjorn3d.com
As is my practice, prior to receiving any item for review I do as much preliminary research as is feasibly possible into both the forthcoming products features and the market that the manufacturer is hoping to gain credibility in. Antec®, as it turns out, is targeting the home media lab, the home music studio, and both the home and small business server markets. These thoughts alone were certainly stimulating and rekindled my idea of a home system of this type from days gone by. When this enclosure first arrived and I was able to view it first hand I felt with a minimum degree of certainty that this just might be the product that I had been searching for. My initial thoughts were that Antec had arrived at a pleasant compromise between the utility of the previously mentioned server environment with a design that could be used effectively by the Computer Enthusiast.
Corsair's Nautilus 500 @ Neoseeker.com
Watercooling kits of this type are intended to ease users in the transition from air coolers to watercooling with the idea being for users to move towards a much higher performing cooling solution. A common problem with some of these water kits is that they can fail to really achieve either goal at all, sometimes offering worse performance than even good air coolers. The Nautilus, thankfully, isn't one of those offerings. It beats out the G-Power, one of the best air coolers that we use, and it doesn't sacrifice simplicity in its search for high performance.
OCZ EL PC-3200 Platinum XTC Edition 2GB @ ThinkComputers.org
OCZ, you know the name, you know what it means. To me, having two sticks of OCZ ram in my hand means I have some the best ram available today. It not only gives me bragging rights, it also gives me that edge over my competition and adds to the performance of my computer. Today for review I have a 2 gig kit of OCZ EL PC-3200 Platinum XTC Edition ram, I'm going to throw it up against some other low latency 2gig kits that I have on hand and see just what makes OCZ one of the best
Logitech MX610 Laser Mouse Review @ CoolTechZone.com
Logitech has made quite a splash in the peripherals industry with its previously launched G5 and G7 laser mice. As the name suggests, the company took the otherwise proven and refined optical technology, and replaced it with a brand new innovation, which improves the overall experience. Initially, there were surface tracking problems across the board with laser mice (we covered the story in detail with replies from Logitech, Razor and a number of mousepad manufacturers), but they appeared to have been resolved over time.
Scythe Kamariki-2 550W @ Bytesector
When I was told I was reviewing a Scythe product, I immediately assumed it would some sort of CPU cooler. Why? Well, if you read around the web, you\'ll find that Scythe has produced some of the best CPU coolers around; they happen to have over 30 coolers to their name. Then I was told it was a PSU, and while they haven\'t produced a whole lot of power supplies, I am eager to test out the Kamariki-2 based solely off their reputation for quality, which they have built in the cooling market. The Kamariki-2 looks good on paper, as it provides some nifty extra features, good supply of molex connectors and is easy on the eyes.
ECS Elitegroup C19-A SLI Pentium 4 Motherboard @ Bigbruin.com
The ECS Elitegroup C19-A SLI offers solid features for anyone looking to build a gaming system around an Intel processor... With Intel gaining ground in the gaming market with its dual core CPUs, coupling that processing power with the graphical processing power of an SLI setup makes boards like the C19-A SLI quite appealing.
Corsair Nautilus 500 Watercooling System @ XYZ Computing
With summer right around the bend, it is a smart time to be thinking about improved cooling for your computer. The heat of the summer can turn a system which runs on the warm side into a serious problem. This is especially true in a home which is not kept cool and for computer systems which are tucked away, such as behind or under a desk. Seem easier said than done? Watercooling may be just the thing for you. While there is no question about the performance of watercooling, many people have been hesitant to do it because of the costs involved and the complexity of the installation. Corsair has done their best to design a system which is affordable and easy to install. This is not the first external watercooling solution with these intentions, but this may be the product which helps open up watercooling to a lot more people. | | | | |
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